James Harden was adamant that he saw himself spending his entire career with the Oklahoma City Thunder before turning down a contract extension offer and subsequently being traded to the Houston Rockets in 2012.

“I thought we were going to be together forever," Harden said in a sit down interview. "Russell Westbrook. James Harden. Kevin Durant."

When asked whether he would still be in Oklahoma City if money was not a factor, Harden said: "Definitely. Definitely. No question.

"I felt like I already made a sacrifice coming off the bench and doing whatever it takes to help the team, and they weren’t willing to help me."