Just a game after their heart-breaking loss to the Hornets, who are now 5-3. The Thunder have traded a big part of their roster and their bench, James Harden. Sources say the Thunder traded Harden because they couldn't reach an agreement on a contract extension worth $50M in 4 years. Sources also say Harden wanted a max contract, which is too deep for the small-market team Thunder. GM Sam Presti has a say about this, "We loved James. It was hard to let him go, but for the good of the team, we had to trade him. We couldn't complete an agreement, and we couldn't lose him in free agency without getting nothing. So we had to do this."
Thunder receive:
- Kevin Martin
Terrence Jones
Donatas Motiejunas
'14 2nd round pick
Rockets receive:
- James Harden
Daequan Cook
Cole Aldrich
'13 1st round pick
Also, James Harden tweeted after the news:
OKC could have given me more time to think about it. I'm gonna miss my brothers back there, but I'm ready to meet my new brothers in Houston! #RocketNation!!!
Teammate Kevin Durant tweeted after hearing the news on ESPN:
Didn't want Harden go, but I will continue to support him and this organization.
Many superstars around the league were also shocked to hear this news including 2012 USA Olympic Basketball teammates Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Kevin Love. Westbrook is unheard of, though.
Metta World Peace also gave a feedback on Twitter with this tweet:
Harden to Rockets?! I better send my vicious elbow to Texas then. JK lol #viciouselbow!