Kevin Durant and James Harden Reflect on Their Shared Journey in Netflix’s Starting Five

Kevin Durant and James Harden’s careers have been intertwined for more than a decade, beginning with their early days as teammates on the Oklahoma City Thunder. The duo first joined forces in 2009, forming part of a young and dynamic core that also included Russell Westbrook—a group that seemed destined for greatness before Harden’s trade to the Houston Rockets in 2012.

Since then, their paths have crossed several times, both as rivals and as teammates once again during their stint with the Brooklyn Nets. While their time in Brooklyn was marked by flashes of brilliance, injuries and inconsistency prevented the team from reaching its championship potential. Yet through the highs and lows, Durant and Harden have maintained a genuine bond rooted in mutual respect.

That friendship is now back in the spotlight in Season 2 of Netflix’s Starting Five, a sports documentary series featuring candid stories from NBA stars. The trailer for the new season teases one such story from Durant, who recalls an early encounter with Harden that marked the beginning of their connection—long before either had made their mark in the NBA.

Their shared reflections in Starting Five offer fans a rare glimpse into how two of basketball’s biggest names view each other—not just as teammates or competitors, but as friends who have grown together through years of triumphs, trades, and transitions.

1. Revisiting a First Meeting

In the trailer, Durant reminisces about his first meeting with Harden, describing an unexpected late-night encounter in Los Angeles. “I remember, I was a freshman in college and I was in L.A.,” Durant said. “Me and Greg Oden had gone to Roscoe’s one night, and James just pulled up on us. I think that was the start of it right there. I don’t think I told him that, or he remembers, but I was like, ‘he is one of us.’” The moment, shared in a lighthearted tone, highlights the early connection between two future MVPs who would eventually share the floor in Oklahoma City. At the time, Durant was already on the path to stardom, while Harden was still emerging as one of the brightest young guards in basketball. However, Harden couldn’t resist playfully challenging Durant’s version of the story. In a laughing exchange during the show, Harden jokingly corrected his former teammate: “What do you mean ‘he’s one of us’? Like, I’m one of him. Don’t get it twisted.” His grin and the laughter in the room underscored the easy chemistry that still defines their relationship today. The exchange serves as both a nostalgic callback and a reminder of how comfortable the two have always been around each other—sharing jokes and memories even as their careers have taken them in different directions.

2. From OKC Promise to Brooklyn Reunion

Durant and Harden’s connection on the court began in earnest with the Thunder, where they formed one of the most exciting young trios in recent NBA history. Alongside Westbrook, they led Oklahoma City to the 2012 NBA Finals—an early highlight in both players’ careers. But that same year, the Thunder traded Harden to the Houston Rockets in a salary-cap move that has since been widely criticized as a decision that may have cost Oklahoma City multiple championship opportunities. Years later, in 2021, Durant and Harden reunited in Brooklyn, reigniting hopes that their partnership could finally deliver the success that had eluded them in Oklahoma City. For a brief period, the combination of Durant, Harden, and Kyrie Irving made the Nets one of the most formidable teams in the league. However, injuries and off-court turmoil disrupted their momentum, and the trio’s championship aspirations faded before ever fully materializing. Despite those disappointments, both players have continued to express respect for each other’s dedication and work ethic. Harden, in particular, used Starting Five to emphasize that admiration. “I don’t really call people ‘big dogs,’” he said. “But I looked up to him. He knew how to work, man.” Their time together—first as up-and-comers in Oklahoma City and later as seasoned veterans in Brooklyn—cemented a bond built on shared experiences and an understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

3. Full Circle in Houston

Now, in an ironic twist, Durant has followed in Harden’s footsteps once again by joining the Houston Rockets this offseason. His arrival instantly elevated Houston’s status from a rebuilding team to a legitimate contender in the Western Conference. For Harden, who spent nearly a decade in Houston and became the face of the franchise, seeing Durant don Rockets red brings a sense of symmetry to their careers. Durant’s move also underscores how intertwined the two players’ journeys have been, from their early connection as teenagers to their shared aspirations for a championship. While both have achieved individual greatness—each winning MVP honors and multiple scoring titles—their pursuit of team success continues to define their legacy. As Starting Five showcases their dynamic, the chemistry and camaraderie between Durant and Harden remind fans that beyond the headlines and stat lines, basketball is still about relationships. Both players have matured through years of competition, but their friendship remains rooted in respect and humor. Whether as teammates, rivals, or simply peers who understand each other’s grind, Durant and Harden’s story continues to evolve—one that reflects not only their talent but their enduring bond in a league defined by change.