“I don’t think of that as a rivalry” – James Harden rejected animosity with the Thunder despite his exchange

James Harden started his NBA trip with Oklahoma City Thunder, playing alongside young Kevin stars during and Russell Westbrook. Although it may seem strange, looking at his career, Harden came out of the bench during his three years in Oklahoma.

However, he played an essential role on the list, especially on the offensive. Harden provided the Thunder of rating thrusts whenever he was on the ground. The 2011-12 season marked a turning point in his career, with him winning the sixth prize of the year.

Advertisement

Harden was essential in the very first appearance in the OKC final in 2012, which they lost against the heat of Miami. Before the summer, the Thunder decided to exchange James to Houston’s Rockets. A decision that shocked a lot from the League, including its teammates.

Harden was undoubtedly disappointed, but he had no maliciousness against his former team, in particular with the Thunder and the Rockets in competition for the West.

“I had the impression that we were playing 12 times last year, but I do not think it as a rivalry. This is where I come from, and I have a lot of friends there, guys who helped me arrive from where I am in my NBA career. It will be a great battle every time we play. We know that it will be a difficult match every time we play them,” said James.

Advertisement

However, trade has made an emotional assessment on Harden, especially given the link he shared with during and Westbrook.

Facing his former team after being exchanged

Many planned that Thunder-Reckets matches were stretched after the post-dur release. The two games met for a first round match the following year, generating a considerable media and buzz.

Before the series, the KD-Russ duo returned his former teammate to the house in six games.

The beard still managed to display impressive figures against its old team while it was a reserve to a main option, with an average of 26.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists. Unfortunately, it is not enough to remove your old team.

Advertisement

Related: “Simply appreciate the present” – Shams Charania on what Rich Paul told him about the future of the NBA of LeBron James

The beard had a broken heart

The Thunder Big 3 of during, Westbrook and Harden were something special, but unfortunately divided before even reaching their peak. He started with Harden and the Front Office who did not conclude an agreement concerning the extension of the contract.

Left without choice, OKC exchanged Harden in Houston, a decision that shocked fans and his teammates. During a 2017 interview with Time Magazine, he recalled his initial reaction when the Thunder offered his job with the Rockets. Harden admitted to be emotional.

Advertisement

“I was almost in tears. I and Russell we know when we played the Boys and Girls Club together as a child. Me and Kevin dragged like every day. We were young, we dragged, we were really, very good friends. We improved every year. My third year, we did a gold medal and we lost in Miami. Against the team that won the championship, ” Revealed Harden.

Nevertheless, Harden had no bad will against the direction of the Thunder, since they had to do what was best for them. In fact, he continued to maintain his relationships with a lot in the organization. While many expected that the clashes of Thunder Rockets were intense, Harden saw no tension and awaited a good basketball match.

Related: “Klay Thompson does not dribble him 25 times a month” – when Kevin Mchale defended the unique play style of James Harden

This story was initially reported by Basketball Network on September 23, 2025, where it appeared for the first time in the Off The Court section. Add the basketball network as a favorite source by clicking here.