James Harden began his NBA journey with the Oklahoma City Thunder, playing alongside young stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. While it may sound odd, looking at his career, Harden came off the bench during his three years in Oklahoma.
Nonetheless, he played a critical role on the roster, especially on the offensive end. Harden provided the Thunder with scoring spurts every time he was on the floor. The 2011-12 season marked a turning point in his career, with him winning the Sixth Man of the Year award.
Harden was pivotal in OKC’s first-ever Finals appearance in 2012, which they lost to the Miami Heat. Heading into the summer, the Thunder decided to trade James to the Houston Rockets. A decision that shocked many across the league, including his teammates.
Harden was undoubtedly disappointed, but he harbored no malice against his former team, especially with both the Thunder and Rockets competing for the West.
“It felt like we played each other 12 times last year, but I don’t think of it as a rivalry. It’s where I came from, and I’ve got a lot of friends over there, guys who’ve helped me get to where I am in my NBA career. It’s going to be a great battle every time we play each other. We know it’s going to be a tough matchup every time we play them,” said James.
However, the trade took an emotional toll on Harden, especially given the connection he shared with Durant and Westbrook.
Facing his former team after being traded
Many anticipated the Thunder-Rockets matchups to be tense post-Harden’s exit. The two sides met for a first-round matchup the following year, generating considerable hype and buzz.
Heading into the series, the KD-Russ duo sent their former teammate home in six games.
The Beard still managed to post impressive numbers against his former team as he transitioned from a reserve to a primary option, averaging 26.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. Unfortunately, it was not enough to take down his former team.
The Beard was heartbroken
The Thunder Big 3 of Durant, Westbrook and Harden were something special, but unfortunately split up even before reaching their prime. It began with Harden and the front office failing to reach an agreement regarding the contract extension.
Left with no choice, OKC traded Harden to Houston, a move that shocked fans and his teammates. During a 2017 interview with Time Magazine, he recalled his initial reaction when the Thunder formalized his trade to the Rockets. Harden admitted getting emotional.
“I was almost in tears. Me and Russell knew each other from when we played at the Boys and Girls Club together as kids. Me and Kevin hung out like every day. We were young, we hung out, we were really, really good friends. We got better every year. My third year, we made it to the Finals and lost to Miami. After that summer we all went to the Olympics together. Win a gold medal. After that, I’m like, ‘This is our year.’ Every year, we lost to the team that won the championship,” revealed Harden.
Nevertheless, Harden held no ill will against the Thunder management, given they had to do what was best for them. In fact, he has continued to maintain his relations with many in the organization. While many expected the Thunder-Rockets matchups to be intense, Harden did not see any tensions and looked forward to a good basketball game.