While everyone in Oklahoma City wants James Harden to be brought back with an extension, and it is by far the best option for both parties, it is looking more and more like this may not happen. Harden is in line for a max deal if he hits free agency, and the Thunder cannot afford to pay him that sort of money—otherwise he would have already signed on the dotted line.
The key now is for the Thunder to make sure it gets some value out of Harden, who will be possibly the most sought after free agent in 2013. If the Thunder are wise, there are only two options when it comes to Harden this season: get that extension or get traded out of town.
There have been many rumors about a Harden trade, and most have revolved around getting a cheaper big man and draft picks. However, in my mind, that does not solve the Thunder's problems. With the tendency in the modern NBA to go small, Durant may spend a lot of time at power forward this season. If he does, then the Thunder already have Kendrick Perkins, Serge Ibaka and Cole Aldrich to play center. Also, with a deep team, the Thunder don't have a pressing need for draft picks unless they are high in the lottery an ...
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Article written by Ben Lorimer
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