Kevin Durant Comments on Relationship with Russell Westbrook
Golden State Warriors star Kevin Durant revealed Friday that things are all good with his former Oklahoma City Thunder teammate Russell Westbrook, telling the media they're "still cool."
"We’re going to compete against each other at the highest level," he continued, per Erik Horne of the Oklahoman. "We’re gonna have fun against each other."
The dynamic duo's eight seasons together in Oklahoma City ended in July, when Durant signed a two-year, $54.27 million deal with Golden State at the start of free agency.
Durant's comments come a little over a month after Westbrook signed an extension with the Thunder and commented on the two's relationship. "We've been together eight years," he said, per the Oklahoman's Anthony Slater. "You don't throw that away."
While the two are on good terms, Durant's latest comments seem to show a change of heart. After leaving the Thunder, he told Chinese outlet Sina (h/t SI Wire) that "our relationship probably won't ever be the same again."
It seems Durant's relationship with Westbrook was growing sour in OKC, though, fueling his departure. A person close to the 27-year-old told Bleacher Report's Howard Beck in July that Durant wasn't happy with Westbrook's role in the offense.
Last November, Durant revealed to Slater that he quarreled with Westbrook as if he were family.
"There’s times where we go at it. There’s times I don’t like what he’s doing out on the court; there’s times where he hates what I’m doing out on the court," he said. "There’s times we cuss each other out, but that’s a part of being brothers. ... It’s a real brotherhood-type relationship."
Whatever their differences, Durant and Westbrook obviously found a way to work through them.
The Thunder made the postseason six times with the duo, including four trips to the Western Conference Finals and an appearance in the 2012 NBA Finals. Durant and Westbrook almost led OKC back to Finals in their most recent trip to the playoffs before falling short against the Warriors in seven games.
The Thunder are Westbrook's team now. He'll face off against Durant for the first time in his NBA career on Nov. 3 at Oracle Arena.
Stats courtesy of Basketball-Reference.com.
