Kevin Durant Explains How Competitiveness Drove James Harden Out of Thunder: “He Was Ready for That Next Step of Being a Superstar”

The star duo of Kevin Durant and James Harden are together in the Brooklyn Nets. However, this isn’t their first stint as teammates in the NBA. Many years ago, the pair partnered with one another at Oklahoma, where they formed a deadly setup for the Thunder. After reaching unthinkable levels, both of them eventually moved away, reaching greater heights elsewhere. Durant still fondly remembers how Harden evolved into a superstar of the game.

After reuniting at Brooklyn, Kevin Durant and James Harden aimed at winning a championship together. So far, however, their mission hasn’t been accomplished yet. Owing to some heartbreaking defeats over the past few seasons, the elusive silverware continues to evade them.

While Durant has been a champion previously, ‘The Beard’ continues his pursuit of the biggest title in franchise basketball. Since the 2000s, the pair have known each other, due to their time together at OKC. Eventually, Harden drifted away to the Houston Rockets, where he was designated a more senior role and Durant completely understood his decision.

Kevin Durant speaks out on ‘superstar’ James Harden leaving OKC

Spending their blooming days at Oklahoma, both Durant and Harden developed into stalwarts of the game. While the latter averaged only around 13 points initially, his 33-year-old counterpart amassed close to 30 points on average during his time there.

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Learning from the best, Harden decided in 2012 that it was time for him to move on. In a recent interview, the 11-time All-star forward addressed current teammate Harden’s move into fresh waters, nearly a decade ago.

“It was competitive amongst us,” Durant admitted. He was referring to the friendly battles between his OKC roster years ago.

“It was competitive. We (are) all young and want to establish ourselves, but it was all genuine. We all wanted to win, as well.” He proceeded to give his take on Harden’s switch to the Rockets. “So once James got his own thing going to Houston, you could tell that he was ready for that next step of being a superstar, leading a franchise.”

It seems like the reunion between the deadly duo was always meant to be. Do you think they can combine for one last dance, for one last roll of the dice? With the much-awaited return of Kyrie Irving coming soon, anything is possible for the terrific trio!

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