As discussions between the Houston Rockets and the Oklahoma City Thunder on a blockbuster deal for Russell Westbrook grew serious Thursday, Daryl Morey, Houston's general manager, called James Harden to discuss how both stars might work together. Harden gently cut Morey off and reminded him: "I know how to play with Russ and he knows how to play with me," Morey recounted to ESPN.com late Thursday in Las Vegas.
They played together for three seasons, two of the three foundational superstars who drove the Thunder to the 2012 Finals. Harden was 22 when LeBron James and the Miami Heat overwhelmed Oklahoma City in that series.