The Thunder want James Harden to stay, he wishes to remain a Thunder player but, with little room in their salary cap to offer him a maximum deal, the two sides have been at the negotiating table trying to reach an extension on the guard’s contract by Wednesday’s deadline for contract extensions. Harden recently turned down a four-year, $52 million offer from the Thunder – he is seeking something closer to $60 (the maximum) on his new deal.
Both parties will continue negotiating hoping to reach an amicable compromise.
If Harden were to become a free agent at season’s end, he would likely command a max deal along with a starters berth wherever he chooses to go. Oklahoma knew this situation was inevitable when they signed Serge Ibaka to a four-year, $40 million deal in August.
Harden has also mentioned that he would be open to playing for the Phoenix Suns if he becomes a free agent.
