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• Updated Apr 10, 2026 at 8:50pm

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Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets looks on in the second half while playing the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on January 23, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

NBA legend Kevin Durant made a shocking point arguing against Dwyane Wade’s contributions to winning basketball when discussing the Wade vs James Harden debate. Most view Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant as the greatest shooting guards of all time, but the debate heats up for number three. Wade and Harden are the main names mentioned, with some others bringing up Jerry West and Allen Iverson.

Durant tried to argue for his friend Harden, but he ended up questioning Wade’s impact on winning via the Unguarded podcast:

“(Between) Pat Riley and the Miami Heat organization, a lot worked in D-Wade’s favor for him to win that championship. I don’t feel like D-Wade’s style of play is more conducive to winning than James (Harden). I feel like they both are winning players who can contribute to great teams. D-Wade didn’t have to do as much for the last two championships.”

Durant did share that both helped great teams, but he made some bold points about Wade’s career. The infamous 2006 NBA Championship that came from Wade’s epic breakout postseason saw Durant claiming the Miami Heat organization and Pat Riley put him in a position to succeed. Wade’s next two titles were also questioned since LeBron James was the top star leading that era of Miami.

Patrick Beverley Made This Convo Relevant Recently

The topic of Harden vs Wade has been discussed for years, but it recently picked back up due to Patrick Beverley. Wade took exception to the controversial former NBA player questioning his accolades when claiming Harden was a superior player in every facet.

An unusual fiery response from Wade showed him taking pride in his career and refusing to accept disrespect from someone far below him like Beverley. Durant decided to chime in since the topic has continued with many podcasts giving their perspective on the better player.

The Houston Rockets star has played with Harden on both the Oklahoma City Thunder and Brooklyn Nets to develop a bond. Durant and Harden praise each other whenever asked, and KD decided to argue in favor of his friend. However, questioning Wade could also put him under the microscope for his own career.

Why Kevin Durant Looks Bad Making Statement

Durant questioning Wade’s winning is a risky move on his part given the criticism that many place on him. A large percentage of NBA fans and pundits question Durant’s impact on winning since his two NBA Championships came from joining the 73-9 Golden State Warriors team.

Every stop since Golden State has seen Durant badly failing to win and never getting past the second round again. Both the Nets and Phoenix Suns ended up seeing their super team efforts failing partially due to Durant’s leadership lacking and ultimately traded him.

Wade did something in 2006 that Durant has never done by leading his own team to the title, especially at such a young age. Durant calling out Wade for having questionable title contributions looks bad since he joined a ready-made top team led by Stephen Curry for his two rings.