Sporting KC acquires Brad Davis in trade with Houston Dynamo

Houston Dynamo midfielder Brad Davis is heading home to Missouri.

On Thursday, the Dynamo traded their captain to Sporting Kansas City in exchange for two draft picks - KC's natural selection in the second round in the 2017, and the third round in 2018 - along with future considerations.

"We’d like to thank Brad for all of his contributions to the Houston Dynamo over the years, both on and off the field," Dynamo general manager Matt Jordan said. "We wish him and his family well with his new club closer to home."

(Courtesy: @SportingKC)

Sporting KC picks up an experienced player who was runner up for MLS MVP in 2011. He leads the Dynamo in all-time games, assists, starts, and minutes played and is third in the league's all-time assist chart with 122, as well as overall games played (368 games).

"He’s been a very good servant for the Houston Dynamo and we wish him well," Dynamo head coach Owen Coyle said.

At 34 years old, Davis said he's looking for a new challenge.

"The opportunity came about to be closer to home and it has always been a dream to play professionally in front of my family," Davis said in a statement. "This decision was not an easy one, but one I needed to make. At the end of the day, it was mutually agreed upon by the staff and me and I cannot thank them enough for their support."

He joins a Sporting KC side that's spent considerable salary cap room in acquiring wingers for Peter Vermes' 4-3-3; the club also recently added Justin Mapp out of the free-agency pool.

"Brad’s competitiveness, experience and leadership have always stood out and we look forward to him bringing these traits to Kansas City," Vermes said. "This is another move that not only bolsters our roster, but will also bring a different dynamic once preseason starts in a couple of weeks."