It is unimaginable to suppose that Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder was as soon as dwelling to a few future Most Worthwhile Gamers: Kevin Durant, James HardenAnd Russell Westbrook. After the 2011-12 Thunder misplaced 4-1 to the Miami Warmth within the 2012 NBA Finals, Oklahoma Metropolis traded Westbrook to the Houston Rockets. In a current episode of the “Earn Your Leisure” podcast, Harden claims {that a} disagreement over a contract extension in the end led to his departure. James believes he, Durant and Westbrook would have received no less than two championships if he had stayed.
Nonetheless, the Thunder’s reluctance to agree on an extra $4 million on the negotiating desk completed negotiations, based on Harden.
“In my rookie yr, we had been eighth and we performed in opposition to the Lakers; we scared them and broke OKC, they usually received the chip. My second yr, we performed Dallas on the WCF they usually received the chip. My third yr, we had been within the finals in opposition to the Warmth, and that was Bron’s first ring. My 4th yr, it might have been ON, after which I bought traded just a few days earlier than the season,” Harden stated. “Ultimately, I ought to have began first. We might have received no less than 2 chips if I hadn’t been traded. It was over $4 million.”
The Thunder reportedly used the additional cash to re-sign Serge Ibaka to maintain the frontcourt intact. But if Harden had stayed, would he have ever turn out to be an elite star?
“Most likely not,” Harden replied. “It is exhausting to say as a result of ultimately I used to be going to have to begin. It was cracking. I used to be able to sacrifice myself for the group. As a group, it made us higher. However I used to be going to have to begin ultimately. My loot additionally arrived there throughout my fourth yr; I’m now not a sixth man. I already had it. Nevertheless it was over $4 million. Nevertheless it was a blessing, as a result of after the ultimate I did not play properly. Then, the Olympic Video games, a possibility to rub shoulders with all these veterans.
For Harden, changing into the Rockets’ franchise participant has accelerated his rise to NBA superstardom.
James Harden says the 2011-12 Thunder had been championship materials
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Earlier than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the younger Thunder into rivalry, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden and the 2011-12 Thunder had been the group to observe within the Western Convention. Sadly, Durant was the one one of many three to win a championship when he signed with the Golden State Warriors.
Nonetheless, Harden hopes to get one other probability by the tip of his NBA profession.
