NBA franchise losing $3 Billion success over James Harden contract broken down by Gilbert Arenas
Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas revealed how the OKC Thunder fumbled billions of dollars by cheaping out on James Harden trade in 2012.
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Gilbert Arenas revealed how the Thunder fumbled billions of dollars with James Harden trade
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s decision to trade James Harden in 2012 remains one of the most criticized moves in NBA history. A key part of a trio with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, Harden was traded to the Houston Rockets for financial reasons. This move prevented what could have been a historic dynasty for a small-market franchise—and also lost them billions.
On the Gil’s Arena podcast, former NBA player Gilbert Arenas dissected the Thunder’s misstep. Arenas highlighted how the franchise undervalued James Harden’s potential impact, both on the court and financially. He analyzed how small-market teams like the Thunder need to capitalize upon their talent pool to remain competitive in a league like the NBA.
If I know [James Harden] is an MVP, and he stays, and it costs me $4 million, the championship makes my team go from $1 billion to $3 billion. The $4 million is irrelevant because the championships give me billions. But the problem is, they didn’t see.
Gilbert Arenas explained on the podcast
"If I know [James Harden] is an MVP and he stays and it costs me $4M, the championship makes my team go from $1B to $3B… so this $4M is irrelevant."
— Gilbert Arenas (@GilsArenaShow) December 5, 2024
The Arena breaks down how the Thunder messed up the Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden Big 3 in OKC. pic.twitter.com/FTVXvJgkQR
Arenas’ comments pointed to the Thunder’s failure to foresee Harden’s rise to superstardom. At the time, Oklahoma City reportedly hesitated over a mere $4 million difference in contract negotiations, which led to the now-Clippers star’s trade. The Thunder’s move not only impacted their championship prospects but also their franchise valuation.
Gilbert Arenas argued that had OKC retained James Harden, their success on the court would have elevated the team’s worth, transforming them into a powerhouse akin to the success of teams like the Golden State Warriors. Had they kept the trio of Harden, Durant, and Westbrook together, the team could have won at least two championships, according to Harden, skyrocketing their market value.
James Harden outlined how OKC Thunder created NBA ‘Blueprint’ for him
During a recent interaction with the media, James Harden reflected on his time with the Thunder. He credited the organization for shaping his work ethic and professional approach to the game. Harden’s three years in OKC saw him develop under the mentorship of Durant and Westbrook on the court and HC Scott Brooks and GM Sam Presti off the court, setting the foundation for his eventual stardom.
They already had the blueprint of how to work, how to be a professional in this league. All I did was follow right in line. Every single day, you work your butt off, you listen to the coaches, and you figure out how to play well every night.
James Harden said
Harden’s role as a Sixth Man of the Year in 2011-12 highlighted his early potential. Averaging 16.8 points and 3.7 assists off the bench, Harden played a crucial role in the Thunder’s run to the NBA Finals that season. However, the team’s decision to trade him to Houston in October 2012 marked a turning point for them, with the franchise still seeking a return to the biggest stage in the NBA.
In Houston, James Harden blossomed into one of the league’s premier scorers and a perennial MVP candidate. He was named an All-Star in every season he played with the Rockets, eventually winning the league’s MVP award in 2018, and becoming one of the most influential players in the NBA.
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Armaan Gupta
(324 Articles Published)