The NBA has seen its fair share of dramatic breakups over the years, but perhaps none have been as messy and emotional as the split between Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder. It’s been years since Durant left for the Golden State Warriors, but the wounds are still fresh and people continue to hold strong opinions about his departure. One of those people is Russell Westbrook, and he recently opened up about losing his former teammate to the Warriors.
Westbrook and Durant were once the dynamic duo of the Thunder, leading the team to multiple playoff appearances and even a trip to the NBA Finals in 2012. They were more than just teammates, they were friends and brothers on and off the court. So when Durant announced his decision to leave for the Warriors in 2016, it was a shock to everyone, including Westbrook.
In a recent interview with ESPN’s Rachel Nichols, Westbrook spoke candidly about his feelings towards Durant’s departure. “I mean, obviously, it’s tough. It’s tough to lose somebody that you’ve been with for so long and have a special connection with,” Westbrook said. “But, you know, at the same time, you gotta move forward.”
It’s clear that Westbrook still holds a lot of love and respect for Durant, but he also understands that the NBA is a business and players have to make decisions that are best for their careers. However, that doesn’t mean it was easy for him to accept at the time.
The breakup between Durant and the Thunder was not a smooth one. Fans were devastated, and many felt betrayed by Durant’s decision to join the team that had just defeated them in the playoffs. There were also rumors of tension between Durant and Westbrook, which only added fuel to the fire.
But despite the rumors and the hurt feelings, Westbrook and Durant have managed to maintain a cordial relationship. They have even played together on the same All-Star team and shared a few laughs on the court. Westbrook acknowledges that their friendship may never be the same, but he’s grateful for the time they had together.
“I think the friendship is always gonna be there. That’s the one thing that’s never gonna change,” Westbrook said. “But in terms of basketball, I don’t know. We’ll see. We’ll see how that goes.”
Westbrook’s comments show a level of maturity and understanding that is often lacking in professional sports. He could have easily held a grudge against Durant and refused to speak about their relationship, but instead, he chose to be honest and open about his feelings. It’s a testament to Westbrook’s character and his ability to move forward.
As for Durant, he has found success with the Warriors, winning two NBA championships and being named Finals MVP both times. But his decision to leave the Thunder will always be a controversial one, and he continues to face criticism from fans and media alike.
In the end, the breakup between Durant and the Thunder may have been messy, but it’s clear that both parties have moved on and are focusing on their respective careers. Westbrook and Durant will always be linked, and their friendship will never be forgotten. But as Westbrook said, it’s time to move forward and let the past be the past.
The NBA is a constantly evolving league, and players come and go all the time. But the bond between teammates and friends is something that will always remain. Westbrook and Durant may no longer wear the same jersey, but their friendship will always be a part of their journey in the NBA.
