It seems like ages ago when Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant banded together in the face of scrutiny.
Memories of the two superstars dissing detractors (Mark Cuban and Charlie Villanueva caught plenty of shade), and demolishing opponents in this summer's playoff run are behind them.
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The two grew close after spending eight seasons together, but with Durant taking his talents to Golden State, a frostiness has set in between the two former teammates.
For the past month, they've stayed mum about one another. The only comment from Westbrook on Durant's departure was a dismissive cackle. But with Durant at the Olympics, and Westbrook re-signing with OKC, getting shoved into the spotlight to discuss the split was inevitable.
Durant broke the ice in an interview with Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe. He said he'll hold off on congratulating Westbrook on the extension.
"Nah, that's a touchy subject," Durant said. "It's easy for someone else to tell me what I should do, but you guys don't know that whole thing. I don't know man, I'll see after this is over, once everything dies down. Like I said, at some point we'll sit down and talk but I don't know when."
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As it turns out, the last time Westbrook and Durant met in person was before the free agency process even began, when Durant bid Westbrook goodbye in a text that has since been deleted.
Not only that, but Westbrook found out the news of Durant's departure through social media. He didn't get a courtesy call the way OKC's front office did.
"(I found out) like y'all found out, on the news, on the cell phones, the social media," Westbrook told reporters Thursday. "I talked to Kevin early on in the process. But nothing after. Just a text message from him, that's about it."
Hurt feelings will linger for the time being, and it'll throw gas on the fiery rivalry between the Thunder and Warriors. But once some time passes, the two friends will eventually mend fences.
"We've been together eight years. You don't throw that away … We definitely will talk eventually," Westbrook said.
