James Harden and Russell Westbrook. They’re two of the three biggest names that put the Thunder on the map in terms of title contenders.
Harden’s stint in Oklahoma City was short, lasting just three years before he was traded to the Houston Rockets following the conclusion of the 2011-12 season. A move that is still considered by many to be one of the biggest what if’s in NBA history.
Two guys that have known each other since AAU, the goal was always for them to play together again.
And although they’ve recently reunited in Houston, the now Rockets teammates revealed to Mark Green in a recent interview with GQ Magazine that there was never any intention for the duo to give it another go in Oklahoma City.
If the goal was for you guys to play together again, did you ever discuss James going back to OKC?
Westbrook: Discuss James coming to OKC?
Yeah.
Westbrook: Oh, nah! [laughs] No, that wasn’t a thought.
Harden: It’s impossible.
It’s impossible?
Harden: It’s impossible.
Why?
Westbrook: I never thought about that until now. [laughs]
Harden: I just felt like he gave, what, 12 amazing years. We’ve all seen Russ grow as a player. I just felt like it was time for a change. And I think everybody just needed it.
Harden confirmed that he was the one to reach out to Westbrook to gauge his initial interest in coming to Houston.
He also said that he believes the Thunder “were destined” to win an NBA Championship had he not been dealt to the Rockets.
In three seasons in Oklahoma City, Harden averaged 12.7 points per game, making just seven starts in 220 appearances. He was an All-Rookie selection in 2009-10 and the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year in his final season in OKC.
But since settling in Houston, Harden has blossomed into one of the league’s superstars, twice leading the NBA in scoring and earning the league MVP for the 2017-18 season.