Harden to actively recruit Durant in free agency

Four-time NBA scoring champion Kevin Durant will have a number of suitors this summer as he enters unrestricted free agency. One of the teams looking to acquire his services will be the Houston Rockets, with All-Star guard James Harden - a former teammate of Durant with the Oklahoma City Thunder - placing himself at the frontline of the recruiting process.

"I'm going to try. He's one of my really good friends," Harden said during his youth basketball camp on Thursday, according to ESPN's Calvin Watkins. "I'm going to try and talk to him. He has a big decision (to make).

The Thunder appear to be the favorites to re-sign the former league MVP to a new deal, although franchises like the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, and New York Knicks will look to prevent that from happening.

Regardless of where he ends up, Harden simply wants Durant to be happy with his choice, even though he does hope it's in the Lone Star State.

"I obviously would love for him to play here in Houston, but ultimately he's got to make the best decision for his career whatever that is," Harden added.

It was in the summer of 2012 when Harden was dealt by OKC in a six-player trade to the Rockets, and then ultimately signed to a five-year, $80-million contract extension. He averaged 29 points, 7.5 assists, and 6.1 rebounds while playing all 82 games last season for a Houston squad which was bounced in five games during the opening round of the playoffs.