Reunited and it feels so good: Russell Westbrook and James Harden are back together again

Former OKC Thunder duo, Russell Westbrook and James Harden are finally together again in H-Town; further displaying player empowerment in the NBA.

Player empowerment is at an all-time high, and that’s good for the NBA. The OKC Thunder dealt their All-Star forward Paul George last week because that is what he wanted. Now, they have traded franchise lifer Russell Westbrook to Houston because that is what he asked them to do.

Players hold all the power in today’s NBA, and the General Managers are at their mercy. So it is best to keep stars and superstars happy because no one is immune to the dreaded trade request. Sam Presti could not accomplish such in Oklahoma City, that’s why they no longer have, Russ, Harden, PG, and Kevin Durant on their roster.

How Harden and Westbrook ultimately reunited

The number one reason Westbrook will be playing for the Rockets this season is not because he wanted to go to Houston, it’s because Harden wanted him in Houston. Its evident players are unafraid to request a deal if the Rockets would have passed up the opportunity to add Russ, Harden feasibly could have asked to be moved.

Harden never wanted to leave Oklahoma City, he obviously never wanted to stop playing with Westbrook, if he did he wouldn’t have been pushing the Rockets to add the Brodie. Heck, Harden is one of the very few teammates Westbrook remained close with after they departed the OKC Thunder.

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Will the Beard and the Brodie be able to co-exist?

In short, the answer is absolutely. The only reason the Rockets were not considered a favorite to win the West was due to chemistry and injury concerns. Chris Paul was the root of both of those issues.

More from Thunder News

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• 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
• Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

Contrary to popular belief, players like playing with Westbrook. Stephen Jackson recently pointed that out on The Herd with Colin Cowherd. Here’s a little more food for thought, the last time Westbrook and Harden played alongside each other, they reached the Finals, neither player has returned since.

Westbrook and Harden have a chance to create something special in Houston. Both players know they are approaching the end of their prime. They will not allow another championship opportunity to escape them. Aside from Westbrook and Harden having something to prove, Mike D’Antoni and Daryl Morey, are also seeking their first title.

Russ, Harden, and D’Antoni are three of the NBA’s largest misfits. All three have a reputation for preventing their team from achieving a championship. The trio will try to capture their first chip together in an NBA landscape that is proverbially wide-open.

Goodbye Brodie

Good luck Russell, although you will be wearing Rockets red, you will always be Thunder to me. When you return to the Peake, you deserve an overwhelming standing ovation. Thank you for all the good times and fond memories.

Now, go win one in Houston, you and Harden were always destined to be champions together.