Scott Brooks spoke candidly about the decision from the Oklahoma City Thunder not to retain him for the 15-16 season.
"I'm not mad, but you can't tell me it was fair," said Brooks. "I understand how ruthless the business can be, but the Thunder is supposed to be above that. I can't tell you how many times I've preached loyalty, family, commitment to these players--things I still believe in--when things got tough. I guess things got a little too tough this time for them to stick by those principles."
The decision was made just one season before Kevin Durant becomes a free agent and Brooks believes his firing could have ramifications on that issue.
"When we traded James [Harden], I was doing damage control with the guys for a while, particularly with Kevin," Brooks said. "I know Kevin will say the right things and handle this like a pro, but there's not a doubt in my mind that he won't see the hypocrisy in it. As a small market team, those principles of loyalty and trust are what we knew we had to demonstrate to set ourselves apart from other teams. When Kevin's contract is up, what sets them apart now?"
Brooks says he hasn't spoken with Durant since being fired. "No, no," the coach clarified, "I'm not saying this is what Kevin told me--I think it's just obvious at this point."