How OKC Thunder could be dramatically impacted by James Harden trade
If James Harden gets his wish to be traded it could have far-reaching effects specifically for the OKC Thunder
The phrase “Houston – we have a problem” has entered a modern-day spin in the NBA. In a similar scenario to what played out for the OKC Thunder last offseason, the Rockets superstar James Harden demanded a trade to a specific destination.
To be clear, the Thunder who are actively invested in building for the future, won’t be a participant in the Beard sweepstakes. OKC isn’t looking to add players in their prime invested in winning championships right now.
That means Rockets GM, Rafael Stone won’t have Sam Presti on speed dial as a trade destination. Yet, while the Thunder won’t be on Harden’s shortlist nonetheless his exit could impact the club who drafted him and facilitated his trade to Houston.
Prior to diving into the how’s and why’s of that statement here’s a little background on how this situation reached its current state.
Harden trade could affect OKC Thunder in multiple ways
The reigning scoring champ told the Rockets in no uncertain terms he wanted out – preferably to Brooklyn. When Houston didn’t move swiftly to accommodate his request he chose to drive home his point by acting out publicly.
The former MVP has vacillated between anger, annoyance, and petulance. No doubt those emotions were fueled by the exit of a trio of his favorites.
First, head coach Mike D’Antoni elected not to re-sign another contract joining the Nets as Steve Nash’s assistant.
Morey’s exit was no less disturbing for Harden. During their time in Houston, the GM specifically tailored the team to compliment his star. Morey was equally reliable when it came to firing or ousting personnel to met Harden’s demands (Kevin McHale, Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, and presumably Clint Capella).
As for Westbrook, it was Harden who solicited Russ and worked Morey to get the deal done. One short season later the childhood friends both demanded trades. Turns out friendship only goes so far as Tim MacMahon scathing ESPN article on Harden revealed.
MacMahon notes Harden demanded the Rockets get Westbrook and oust Paul- threatening to demand a trade if they didn’t do it. Yet, Russ just like Paul before him found Harden’s lack of professionalism unacceptable:
"HOUSTON’S CASUAL CULTURE appalled Westbrook. In Oklahoma City, despite the fact that he enjoyed the same sort of superstar privileges as Harden has had in Houston, the Thunder operated with the discipline of a military unit under Westbrook’s watch. The Rockets were a stark contrast, —"
MacMahon covers in pinpoint detail a relationship more akin to a spoiled child and over accommodating parent than player and franchise. As the cornerstone talent of the Rockets, Harden has essentially held Houston hostage. But again, in fairness, the Rockets are equally (if not more) at fault for giving into their superstar’s every whim.
For as much as Harden’s lack of restraint or professionalism can’t be condoned, the Rockets created this problem through their inability to utter one simple word — NO!
In unfamiliar territory, the superstar elected to push the outside of the envelope via a public temper tantrum to expedite his demands. And with that, Morey’s replacement Stone finally delivered that tiny two-letter adverb Harden had never heard during his eight-year tenure in Houston.