Scott Brooks said he believes the Oklahoma City Thunder will regret firing him as head coach, especially entering the final year of Kevin Durant's contract.
"I'm not mad, but you can't tell me it was fair," Brooks said. "I understand how ruthless the business can be, but the Thunder is supposed to be above that. I can't tell you how many times I've preached loyalty, family, commitment to these players--things I still believe in--when things got tough. I guess things got a little too tough this time for them to stick by those principles."
Brooks specifically said the move could lead to ramifications on Durant's future.
"When we traded James [Harden], I was doing damage control with the guys for a while, particularly with Kevin," Brooks said. "I know Kevin will say the right things and handle this like a pro, but there's not a doubt in my mind that he won't see the hypocrisy in it. As a small market team, those principles of loyalty and trust are what we knew we had to demonstrate to set ourselves apart from other teams. When Kevin's contract is up, what sets them apart now?"
Brooks said he has not spoken to Durant since being fired.
"No, no," the coach clarified, "I'm not saying this is what Kevin told me--I think it's just obvious at this point."
