NBA superstar Kevin Durant says waving goodbye to Steven Adams was one of the toughest parts about leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Former MVP Durant sent shockwaves throughout the league last month when he signed with the Thunder's Western Conference rivals Golden State Warriors.

Adams enjoyed a breakout run throughout the playoffs, however, the Thunder ultimately fell one game short of reaching the finals as the Warriors fought back from a 3-1 series deficit to advance.

MARK D SMITH/USA TODAY SPORTS Kevin Durant (left) and Steven Adams will be on opposing teams next season after Durant signed with the Warriors.

But speaking to media during Team USA's Olympic press conference in Rio, Durant has no doubt that the Kiwi big man can carry that form into next season.

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"I am, that's what made the decision so hard," Durant told Newshub on leaving Adams and the Thunder.

"Steven is going to be great, man. He works hard, he loves the game, and he just had that pure fun and joy.

"He's going to be great for them."

The Tall Blacks missed out on Rio but even if they had qualified, Adams had already made himself unavailable for the national side.

While he won't be competing at the Games, Durant is hoping to watch his sister Valerie Adams throw for gold in the shot put.

Durant knows all about Valerie's success and says he would use it to wind-up his former teammate.

"I always used to tell Steven that she's the best athlete in the family," Durant added.

"Hopefully I get to see her, I don't know the schedule, but it would be cool to see."