The NBA is no stranger to drama and controversy, but few events have sparked as much emotion and debate as the breakup between Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder. It’s been years since Durant’s departure, yet the wounds are still fresh and the opinions are still strong. One of the people who has been most affected by Durant’s decision is his former teammate and friend, Russell Westbrook. In a recent interview, Westbrook opened up about the pain of losing Durant to the Golden State Warriors and how it has affected him and the OKC franchise.
The news of Durant’s departure from the Thunder in the summer of 2016 sent shockwaves throughout the NBA. After spending nine successful seasons with the team, Durant announced that he would be joining the already dominant Warriors, leaving behind a devastated fan base and a team that had reached the Western Conference Finals just months before. The decision was met with a mix of disbelief, anger, and sadness from fans and players alike, but no one felt it more than Westbrook.
Westbrook and Durant had been the dynamic duo of the Thunder, leading the team to multiple playoff appearances and even reaching the NBA Finals in 2012. They were not only teammates but also close friends, and their bond on and off the court was evident to everyone. So when Durant chose to leave, Westbrook was left to pick up the pieces and carry the team on his own.
In his recent interview, Westbrook opened up about the hurt and betrayal he felt when Durant left. “It was a tough pill to swallow,” he said. “We had been through so much together, and then he just decided to leave and join our biggest rival. It was hard to understand and accept.”
Westbrook’s words reflect the sentiments of many OKC fans, who felt that Durant had abandoned the team and betrayed their loyalty. The once beloved player was now seen as a traitor, and his decision to join the already stacked Warriors was seen as a move to chase an easy championship. But for Westbrook, it was more than just a basketball decision, it was a personal one.
Despite the hurt and disappointment, Westbrook remained professional and focused on leading the Thunder to success. He put up historic numbers and even won the 2017 MVP award, but the team was never able to reach the same level of success it had with Durant. Westbrook admits that it was tough to see Durant winning championships with the Warriors while he struggled to make it out of the first round of the playoffs.
However, as time has passed, Westbrook has come to terms with the situation and has even found a sense of peace. “I’ve learned to move on and focus on the present,” he said. “I have great memories of my time with KD, but now I have to focus on my own journey and my own team.”
Westbrook’s words show maturity and resilience, and it’s clear that he has grown from the experience. He has also found support from his new teammates, including Paul George, who also faced a similar decision to Durant’s when he chose to stay with OKC instead of joining the Lakers.
As for Durant, he has since moved on from the Warriors and is now playing for the Brooklyn Nets. He has also been open about his decision to leave OKC, stating that he needed a change and a new challenge. While some may never forgive him for leaving, Durant has found happiness and success on the East Coast.
The breakup between Durant and the Thunder may have been messy, but it has also brought lessons and growth for both parties involved. It’s clear that the emotions are still raw, but as time passes, hopefully, the wounds will heal and the focus will shift to the present and the future. As for Westbrook, he remains a beloved figure in OKC, and his resilience and loyalty have earned him the respect and admiration of fans and players alike.
