The basketball relationship of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook played a part in the former's decision to leave the Golden State Warriors for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

One person close to Durant and Russell Westbrook said their relationship is “kind of complicated.”

Said another Western source, “Look, KD and Russ are friends. They get along great off the court. They’re good guys. But Kevin feels like no one can control Russell when he’s on the court — not even Russell. Everyone sees it. It’s no secret. I think that’s been hard on Kevin. Russ is one of the top players in the game, but things have to fit.”

Durant could have signed a one-plus-one contract but Westbrook's 2017 free agency made for an uncertain future with Oklahoma City.

“He’s gone after this year,” said one league executive about Westbrook. “A hundred percent. I think that’s the case no matter what (Durant had decided). I guess people can always change their mind, but I think this season was going to be it for him there no matter what.”