Kevin Durant Makes Revelation About LeBron James Following James Harden’s Trade to Rockets

Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) and guard James Harden (13) talk on the bench during the fourth quarter at Paycom Center. Brooklyn won 120-96.

Image Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant recalled James Harden’s infamous trade from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Houston Rockets in 2012. The NBA All-Star made a few bold revelations about LeBron James, saying that he was one of those who were pleased by the trade. James, along with his Miami Heat teammate Dwayne Wade, sent congratulatory tweets for Harden that irked Durant.

Speaking on the upcoming Starting 5 documentary on Netflix, Durant said, “What pissed me off is Bron & D-Wade & so many dudes around the NBA sending tweets out: ‘Congrats to my bro James. He goin’ to Houston. He gonna kill there.’ I know Bron & them was so f****** happy we wasn’t together no more.” He added, “We were on they a**… y’all just scared. Y’all know we was on the way.”

Some new reactions on the 2012 Harden trade

Kevin Durant: “I know Bron and them was so fucking happy that we wasn’t together no more cuz we was on their ass.”

James Harden: “Overall, I was mad as hell too.”
pic.twitter.com/9Vq5SuF5HH

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 16, 2025

Notably, Oklahoma City drafted Harden third overall in 2009 in a team that already had stars such as Durant and Russell Westbrook. Durant, Harden and Westbrook reached their potential as individuals during their tenure with the OKC Thunder. Harden, in his third year, won the Sixth Man of the Year award, while helping the side reach the 2012 NBA Finals. With his departure, it is believed that the Thunder lost their golden opportunity to clinch an NBA championship.

Kevin Durant Opens up on Trade to Houston Rockets, Discusses Retirement Plans

Kevin Durant, a two-time NBA champion, opened up on his historic seven-team trade to the Houston Rockets that took place earlier this offseason. Durant revealed that when the Suns attempted his trade to the Golden State Warriors, he expressed a strong desire to retire as a Rocket. Speaking about his plans to retire with the Rockets, Durant said, “That’s the intent.”

“I know I said that about Phoenix too, but that’s the intent. I would love to do that.” Talking about his trade from the Suns wasn’t an immediate decision, but was rather a strategic plan that suggests that the Rockets are seriously considering competing and maintaining a strong foundation.

The 2014 MVP talked about it and said, “Once the Suns decided they wanted to trade me, they asked me what teams I’d be willing to go to and I gave them a few. That was an expiring contract. I had more leverage, and I was able to use it and get to Houston. In the perfect world, we win a couple of championships. I get my jersey retired here.”

The 15-time NBA All-Star didn’t share a timeline about his retirement but said that he would play as long as his body permits. However, his openness to a contract extension suggests that Durant is here to stay beyond the 2025-26 season. As per reports, both Rockets and Durant have discussed potential trade plans. There could either be a two-year deal worth $112 million if signed promptly or a larger two-year deal valued at $124 million if there are negotiations.

While nothing is certain, if the 37-year-old commits to the team and vice versa, it could mark the beginning of a new chapter for the franchise and the final one for Durant.

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.

Kevin Durant Makes Revelation About LeBron James Following James Harden’s Trade to Rockets

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