What did the Thunder get for James Harden?

Nearly a decade ago, the Oklahoma City Thunder traded away James Harden, a future MVP in only his third season, for Kevin Martin, rookie Jeremy Lamb, two future first-round picks (Steven Adams and Mitch McGary), and a future second-round pick (Alex Abrines).

Why did the Thunder trade Harden?

They had already locked down both Durant and Westbrook to max contracts. Due to this, they were left with two options, sign either Ibaka or Harden, or pay a huge luxury tax. The Thunder didn’t want to pay it. This had a lot to do with the new penalties launched in the NBA for exceeding luxury tax.

Are Harden and Westbrook still friends?

Beyond adding another bonafide star, Westbrook holds a long friendship with James Harden that dates back to their childhood. The two both played for the same Challengers Boys & Girls Club in South Central LA. Despite the deep-rooted connection between the two star point guards, things quickly unfolded in Houston.

Who would Nets trade for Harden?

To acquire Harden, the Nets brought in the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers to construct a return package loaded with draft assets. The Nets agreed to send Caris LeVert, Rodions Kurucs, first-round picks in 2022, 2024 and 2026 and swaps in 2021, 2023, 2025 and 2027 to Houston.

What all happened in the James Harden trade?

In the trade, the Nets send center Jarrett Allen and forward Taurean Prince to Cleveland, and guard Caris LeVert and forward Rodions Kurucs, as well as three first round draft picks (2022, 2024 and 2026) and four first round pick swaps (2021, 2023, 2025 and 2027) to Houston.

How much did OKC offer James Harden?

As Wojnarowski reported, Oklahoma City offered Harden a four-year extension “that would have paid him a base salary of $53 million to $54 million,” making it at least $6 million shy of the $60 million max.

Do Westbrook still play for the Rockets?

Westbrook has represented the United States national team twice, winning gold medals in the 2010 FIBA World Championship and the 2012 Olympics. In 2019, he was traded to the Houston Rockets, playing one season for the organization before being traded again to the Washington Wizards in 2020.

What happened to the Oklahoma City Thunder without Russell Westbrook?

Oklahoma City won the series against Houston in six games, but without Westbrook, the Thunder fell in the next round to the “Grit and Grind” Memphis Grizzlies in five games. With Westbrook missing 35 games recovering from knee surgery in the 2013-14 season, Durant was once again called upon to be main bucket getter.

What went wrong in the fourth quarter for the Oklahoma City Thunder?

Oklahoma City was left shellshocked. They were up by seven points with five minutes left, but watched Durant and Westbrook shoot a combined 3-14 in the fourth quarter. In those final five minutes, the Thunder’s two stars went 0-5 from the field and committed six turnovers.

What is the Oklahoma City Thunder’s affiliate in the NBA?

The Thunder’s NBA G League affiliate is the Oklahoma City Blue, which it owns. The Thunder are the only team in the major professional North American sports leagues based in the state of Oklahoma. Oklahoma City previously hosted the New Orleans Hornets for two seasons following devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans .

When did the OKC Thunder get their first win in 2008?

Oklahoma City defeated Minnesota on November 2, 2008 for their first win. In their regular-season home opener, the Thunder faced (and lost to) the Milwaukee Bucks. Earl Watson scored the first points of the season with a layup.