National Basketball Association

James Harden says he will do everything he can to recruit Kevin Durant to Rockets

Published Jun. 23, 2016 5:55 p.m. ET

foxsports

James Harden spent his first three seasons in the NBA playing alongside Kevin Durant with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The now-Houston Rockets' All-Star guard apparently wants to relive those days, saying he's going to do all in to recruit his former teammate this summer.

"As hard as I can," Harden told the Houston Chronicle about recruiting Durant. "I'm gonna try. He's one of my really good friends. He has a big decision. (He'll do) whatever he feels is best for his career. Obviously, I would love for him to play here in Houston, but ultimately he'll make the best decision for his career."

Durant is expected to be pursued by a number of teams, including the Warriors, this summer. The seven-time All-Star recently said his choice will be a "basketball decision."

It was reported earlier this month that Durant, who reached the NBA Finals with Harden in 2012, won't consider playing alongside Harden. The start of the free-agency period (July 1) is a little more than a week away, and we'll finally find out where Durant will be playing next season.