Harden bids farewell to Houston in social media post
Warning: Video contains coarse language
James Harden said farewell to the Houston Rockets and its fans Friday in a video posted to his Instagram account.
The 31-year-old was officially traded Thursday to the Brooklyn Nets, ending a two-month saga between him and the Rockets.
"What can I write? What words can convey all the ways I feel?" Harden wrote. "Houston, you welcomed me with no guarantees. Took a leap of faith, and it changed my life and the lives of my family forever. This organization, this city, has given me everything I could ask for and more.
"Before the scoring titles, long before MVP, you believed. For that, I am forever indebted. The city opened its arms and welcomed me and my family as one of its own, and for that, I am forever indebted. I gave my mind, body, and soul in hopes of bringing the glory to the city. I fell short, and for that I am forever indebted. It's far from a goodbye as I pay all my debts. TMC H Town!"
Harden spent parts of nine seasons in Houston after being acquired in 2012 from the Oklahoma City Thunder. He earned eight All-Star selections, seven All-NBA nods, three scoring titles, and an MVP award during his time in the Lone Star state.
The Rockets made the playoffs in each season with Harden and came within one win of advancing to the 2018 Finals.
Harden's ties to Houston extended beyond its NBA franchise. He's a part-owner of the MLS' Houston Dynamo and NWSL's Houston Dash. The former Sixth Man of the Year is also opening his first restaurant in the area on Jan. 22.
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