Kevin Durant reveals Miami Heat’s concerns over Thunder’s Big 3
As the Miami Heat were dazzling fans and analysts alike with their formation of a formidable star trio, another team was quietly gaining a reputation as a potential threat to their dominance in the NBA. The Oklahoma City Thunder, freshly relocated from Seattle, boasted an impressive roster featuring the talents of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, complemented by the emerging Sixth Man of the Year, James Harden.
A glimpse of greatness
When the Thunder reached the NBA Finals in 2012, many expected it to be just the beginning of a dynasty. Despite falling to the Heat in that series—losing 4-1 in what marked the Heat’s first championship together—the future appeared bright for the Thunder. With youth on their side, the outlook was that they would return to challenge for the title, especially with Harden, who had been effectively neutralized by Shane Battier in the Finals, expected to improve.
However, the franchise made a fateful decision that would alter the trajectory of their future. In a move that shocked the basketball world, the Thunder traded Harden to the Houston Rockets. The return package included Kevin Martin—a solid player but not on the same level as Harden—and a collection of lesser assets.
Reflections on the trade
In a recent episode of *Starting Five* on Netflix, Durant and Harden revisited that pivotal moment. The trade, the duo revealed, stemmed from a contract dispute that was reportedly only a few million dollars apart. Durant reflected candidly on the implications of the trade, suggesting that it was a sigh of relief for their rivals.
“I know Bron and them was so [expletive] happy that we wasn’t together no more ’cause we was on their ass,” Durant noted, capturing the sense of missed potential for both players and fans. Harden added, “Overall, I was mad as hell too,” echoing the frustration felt by many who believed that the Thunder could have been a formidable force had they remained intact.
The echoes of that era linger as both players continue their illustrious careers, forever linked by the what-ifs of their time in Oklahoma City. The narrative of the Thunder’s Big 3 remains a fascinating chapter in NBA history, one that continues to spark debate about the dynamics of team-building and the delicate balance between talent and management decisions.
