Kevin Durant and James Harden are no longer teammates. Almost 10 years since the first time it happened in OKC, Harden, and Durant were separated as teammates thanks to a trade, one that sent Harden to the 76ers in exchange for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, and Andre Drummond.
But unlike last time, it appears there are some hard feelings between James Harden and Kevin Durant. NBA insider Farbod Esnaashari said that while Harden had his issues with Kyrie Irving, things were not perfect between Harden and Durant, as the two clashed on several topics, including the culture of the team.
Sources: In addition to friction between James Harden and Kyrie Irving over Irving's availability, Harden also clashed with Kevin Durant on multiple fronts, including their ideals of the team's culture.
Many in BKN questioned Harden's commitment to the team prior to the trade.
— Farbod Esnaashari (@Farbod_E) February 10, 2022
Sources: In addition to friction between James Harden and Kyrie Irving over Irving’s availability, Harden also clashed with Kevin Durant on multiple fronts, including their ideals of the team’s culture.
Many in BKN questioned Harden’s commitment to the team prior to the trade.
There have been rumors that Kyrie Irving had issues with James Harden, and that led to his trade. But Irving shut those rumors down as he said that the media was trying to push a particular narrative. There does seem to be some talk about Harden’s relationship with the franchise.
Durant may have confirmed his beef with James Harden, as he refused to pick Harden with his final pick of the 2022 NBA All-Star game draft. But he did seem to be optimistic, as he said that every party in the trade got what they needed, suggesting that the Nets can put Simmons to good use.
Durant has already spoken to Ben Simmons, as revealed by Rich Paul. The two will be looking forward to taking the court together when Simmons completes his ramp-up in training and Kevin Durant returns from his injury. Simmons could find a way to thrive with the Nets, as they have some of the best shooters in the NBA, providing him with the floor spacing he needs.
