James Harden is going to try to recruit Kevin Durant 'as hard' as he can
They're really good friends but I don't think he knows Durant reportedly has no interest
By
Zach Harper
•
2 min read
Kevin Durant is one of the best players in the world and he's in his prime years at just 27 years old. That means his free agency this summer becomes one of the most important decisions in shaping the landscape of the NBA. The Oklahoma City Thunder would like that decision to keep him with Russell Westbrook in OKC. James Harden and the Houston Rockets are hoping Durant wants to reunite with his friend and former teammate in Texas, as they try to build the next great NBA team.
Harden recently commented on recruiting Durant in free agency when the clocks strikes midnight on July 1, saying he's going to try "as hard" as he can to get Durant to join the Rockets. But reaffirmed that Durant, one of his really good friends, will make the best decision for his career. From CBS Houston:
On recruiting Durant:
"As hard as I can. I'm gonna try. He's one of my really good friends. He has a big decision. (He'll do) whatever he feels is best for his career. Obviously, I would love for him to play here in Houston, but ultimately he'll make the best decision for his career."
A report nearly two weeks ago didn't paint such a hopeful picture for the Rockets, Harden, and their hope of luring Durant to Houston. Marc Stein of ESPN reported the Rockets were not a team Durant would consider in free agency this summer. The Rockets are probably losing Dwight Howard, who declined his player option and decided to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, and would love to replace him with Durant. Daryl Morey has built an offensive-minded, 3-point shooting team that will now play under the tutelage and guidance of Mike D'Antoni.
The combination of Durant and Harden under D'Antoni's Seven Seconds Or Less principles could be one of the greatest offensive shows we've ever seen. But the Rockets have certainly seen their fair share of drama and in-house bickering, which wouldn't be that attractive to someone like Durant, who is certainly looking for the best opportunity to become a champion.
Durant and his Thunder team were within one win of a showdown with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals, but couldn't close out the Golden State Warriors after going up 3-1 in the series. Cleaning up that unfinished business doesn't get accomplished by leaving his teammates for the Rockets. But that's something Harden will certainly try to convince Durant that he can accomplish that on the Rockets.
