The Oklahoma City Thunder recently re-signed forward Serge Ibaka to add to a core signed long term that includes Russell Westbrook, Kendrick Perkins and Kevin Durant. James Harden's contract is up at the end of this season, and the rumors that accompany that uncertainty are swirling. But Durant told ESPN's Marc Stein he is steadfast in wanting to keep Harden around.
"I want James to be here with us, of course. He's one of my closest friends. Hopefully it works out, that's all I can say. I haven't asked (Thunder GM) Sam (Presti) about anything and I haven't asked James about anything. I'm just going to let that take care of itself, be the best teammate I can be and hopefully by the time camp starts we have him locked up."
Durant was naturally happy to learn that OKC was keeping Ibaka around.
"It's a really big deal. I'm happy for him, first of all, him and his family. He worked so hard to get that (extension) and I'm just excited that he's signed on for four more years and really believes in us. He easily could have said no, waited for next summer, played well this year and got more (money). But he sacrificed for us and we appreciate him for that. He's the ultimate team player."
In the interview, Durant also talks about his upcoming movie, "Thunderstruck," and helping lead Team USA to a gold medal in London.
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