Kevin Durant and James Harden Reflect on the OKC Thunder Trade in Netflix Series
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s trajectory changed dramatically when they traded away James Harden, the reigning Sixth Man of the Year, to the Houston Rockets. This pivotal decision came after the Thunder’s valiant effort in the 2012 NBA Finals, where they fell short against the Miami Heat. In the latest episode of Netflix’s documentary series *Starting 5*, both Harden and Kevin Durant opened up about the trade that rocked the league and transformed their franchise.
Inside the Documentary Series
Netflix recently launched the second season of *Starting 5*, offering an in-depth look at five NBA players throughout an entire season, complete with unprecedented behind-the-scenes access. This season features a mix of current stars and former Thunder icons, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Haliburton, alongside Durant and Harden, providing a nostalgic return to the early days of Oklahoma City basketball.
The debut episode transports viewers back to a time when Durant and Harden were donning the Thunder’s blue, delving into the circumstances surrounding Harden’s departure in the fall of 2012. The decision to trade Harden, a key member of the franchise’s initial big three alongside Durant and Russell Westbrook, was framed by both players as a perplexing move, one that they believe was driven by miscalculations rather than financial concerns.
Harden’s Perspective on the Trade
Harden expressed his disbelief and sorrow regarding the trade. He emphasized that the decision was not just a financial one, but rather a lost opportunity for a championship team. He reflected on the team’s recent successes, stating, “I was mad too. ‘Cause I got the call… you see what we just did these last three years? It was like we’re gonna win the championship this year! I was hurt. It was sad for real.”
His frustration was palpable, highlighting the emotional weight of the decision that not only affected him but the entire Thunder organization.
Durant’s Reaction to the Fallout
Durant echoed Harden’s sentiments, revealing his shock at the lack of transparency leading up to the trade. He recounted how, after returning from the Olympics, he was unaware that negotiations were in play. “I didn’t know what was going on until right at the end. I never thought there was a possibility he was leaving,” Durant admitted.
What frustrated him further was the reaction from fellow NBA players. He recalled, “What really pissed me off is like [LeBron James] and [Dwyane Wade] sending tweets out like, ‘Congrats to my bro James. He got his.’ They were so happy I know they were just scared we were on the way.”
The Legacy of the Trade
The documentary continues to unpack the impacts of this trade, with Durant reflecting on the lasting resentment from Thunder fans when he moved to the Golden State Warriors in 2016. He articulated how some fans viewed his departure as a betrayal, believing it cost them a potential championship. “A lot of people in OKC felt like my talent was taking away from that team. They resented me for taking away a hypothetical championship from them,” Durant noted.
As the episode unfolds, it captures a poignant moment in NBA history, shedding light on the emotions and complexities that surrounded the Thunder’s decision to part ways with Harden. This is just the beginning of a series that promises to delve deeper into the intricacies of Oklahoma City’s basketball journey, offering fans a unique lens into a team that once seemed poised for greatness.
