“I was pissed about that situation,” Kevin Durant gets honest about James Harden leaving Brooklyn Nets

Kevin Durant and James Harden were teammates twice with the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Brooklyn Nets.


“I was pissed about that situation,” Kevin Durant gets honest about James Harden leaving Brooklyn Nets

Kevin Durant (Credits: BBC)

Once again gracing the court together, Kevin Durant and James Harden faced off in a riveting NBA clash on Tuesday. The Phoenix Suns went head-to-head with the Los Angeles Clippers in a thrilling 138-111 encounter. However, this time, the dynamic duo stood not as teammates but as fierce rivals.

Teammates at the Brooklyn Nets, Durant and Harden forged their bond when the latter joined in a blockbuster four-team deal during the 2020-2021 season. Before this reunion, the dynamic duo had already shared the court for three seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder, forming the legendary “Big Three” alongside Russell Westbrook.

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Addressing the press post-game, Durant fielded questions about the missed opportunity to establish a dynasty alongside Harden. In response, he expressed his thoughts, stating:

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No doubt that I was pissed about the situation. I’m sure he was pissed about having to move teams again. 
Kevin Durant at the post-game press conference

Concluding a three-season stint with the Brooklyn Nets, Durant found himself traded to the Phoenix Suns on February 9, 2023, following disagreements with their front office. Simultaneously, Harden orchestrated a move away from the Philadelphia 76ers, driven by a fallout with Daryl Morey, the team’s president of basketball operations.

Oklahoma City Thunder big three meet once again

The 2012 Oklahoma City Thunder’s formidable “Big Three” commenced with the selections of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden. Durant, chosen as the second overall pick in the 2007 NBA draft by the then Seattle SuperSonics, was joined by Westbrook, the fourth overall pick in the 2008 NBA draft (also by the SuperSonics), and Harden, selected third overall in the 2009 NBA draft by the OKC Thunder.

Oklahoma City Big Three
Oklahoma City Thunder 2012 Big Three of Russell Westbrook (Left), Kevin Durant (Middle) and James Harden (Right)

The trio led the Thunders to an NBA finals in 2012 and Kevin Durant talked about the moment saying;

We're never gonna forget those moments we shared coming into the league. It was special, special time that I always pull back from. I always loved playing with those guys so it's good to see them have some success and still be in the league at 15, 16, 17 years in the league.
Kevin Durant at the post-game press conference

Despite falling short of a championship with the Thunder, the trio of Durant, Westbrook, and Harden achieved remarkable individual success. Each went on to claim MVP honors: Durant in 2014, Westbrook in 2017, and Harden in 2018.

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