The trio of Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving had the potential to be one of the most potent “big threes” in NBA history, but it came apart at the seams before it felt like things ever really began. Of the two seasons in which all three were members of the Brooklyn Nets, none of them played more than 55 games in a single season. Ultimately, Harden requested a trade and was the first of the three dominoes to fall, departing the group.
While the last season we saw those three team up was in 2021–22, all three stars are still asked about the situation and the “what if” aspect of a potential missed opportunity. Durant spoke on the topic and, specifically, Harden’s departure after his Phoenix Suns and Harden’s Los Angeles Clippers met on Monday night. The 35-year-old admitted he was “pissed” about the situation and Harden’s departure but showed love to his former teammate.
“No doubt that I was pissed about the situation. I’m sure he was pissed about having to move teams again. When the smoke clears, you realize that’s somebody you came into the league with, somebody I really, really love as a brother. … I want what’s best for him and his family going forward,” Durant said of Harden, per Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.
Kevin Durant on James Harden and his departure from Brooklyn:
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) January 9, 2024
“No doubt that I was pissed about the situation. I'm sure he was pissed about having to move teams again. When the smoke clears, you realize that's somebody you came into the league with, somebody I really, really… pic.twitter.com/mt78ydrgpP
Their Nets tenure marked the second time Durant and Harden had played together after spending three seasons as teammates on the Oklahoma City Thunder.
While it’s been a bit of a ride for Durant, Harden and Irving, it does appear all three have found great homes with solid fits for their talents. This specifically stands true after the blockbuster trade that sent Harden to the Clippers from the Philadelphia 76ers early in the 2023–24 season, along with Kyrie Irving’s decision to re-sign with the Dallas Mavericks this past offseason.
