James Harden on Early Career and OKC Breakup Over $4M

The Earn Your Leisure podcast recently featured James Harden, who provided a rare glimpse into his early NBA career and recounted the crucial moments that shaped his journey. Harden’s insights revealed the ups and downs of his early years in the NBA, from playing with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook Oklahoma City Thunder to his trade to Houston Rockets.

Harden reminisced about his initial season, when the Thunder faced the top-seeded Los Angeles Lakers in the playoffs.

“My rookie year, we played the Lakers — the number one seed. We scared them, for sure, had OKC cracking. They won the championship. My second year, we were in the Western Conference Finals against Dallas, and they won the championship. My third year, we were in the Finals against the Heat — that was Bron’s first championship. They won the championship. That summer, we go to the Olympics and win a gold medal. Then, my fourth year, in the summertime, I get traded — like, right before the first game.”

What many believed could have been a dynasty was set up by the Thunder’s young core’s rapid success. Harden’s trading to Houston before the start of the 2012-2013 season resulted in the team breaking up due to a contract disagreement. The decision to split up for only $4 million has been widely debated among NBA fans and analysts.

Harden spoke out when asked about the potential of the Thunder if Durant, Westbrook, and himself had remained intact.

“If the Thunder would’ve stayed together instead of being broken up over $4 million, we would’ve won two chips at least — at the minimum,” Harden said.

Harden’s potential as a superstar was apparent during his time in OKC, but he admitted that departing the Thunder allowed him to fully expand his wings.

“Probably not… It’s hard to say, but I was eventually going to have to start starting because it was cracking. I did that because of the sacrifice for the team, and it made us better as a group. But by my fourth year, my swag was getting there, and I wasn’t no sixth man anymore. I already got that. But it was over $4 million. A blessing though because coming off the Finals, which I didn’t play… and then the Olympics, having the opportunity to be around all those vets, I go to my first year in Houston and go yaya.”

Harden’s ascension into one of the NBA’s elite players began with the move to Houston. During his time with the Rockets, he developed into a consistent All-Star, MVP, and one of the most dominant scorers in league history.

Although the Thunder’s breakup remains a ‘what if’ for basketball fans, Harden’s journey serves as a testament to his resilience and ability to adapt. While his early years may have been defined by sacrifice and team success, his move to Houston unlocked his full potential as an integral part of the franchise.

Harden’s career has been shaped by the lessons learned along the way, even though the past may have bittersweet memories.