The Oklahoma City Thunder only have one more season of enjoying the magnificent quartet of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden and Serge Ibaka before the final two members become restricted free agents.
OKC is caught between a rock and a hard place here. A bad season from either Harden or Ibaka would hinder the championship hopes, while good seasons from both would lead to max contracts.
If each receives a max offer sheet, the Thunder are going to have to choose which one to keep. The smart decision would be to retain Ibaka and let Harden pick his new destination.
Harden is already thinking along similar lines, as he revealed to The Republic's Dan Bickley:
Former Arizona State star James Harden would consider signing with the Suns if his contract expires after next season.
"Yeah," he said. "Of course. I love it there. My mom lives there still. So that's definitely my second home as far as my comfort level and going to school there. But obviously, I'm with the Thunder right now and what we have is special."
This is much better news than if Ibaka had come out and said the same ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NBA
Article written by Adam Fromal
NBA Rumors: OKC Thunder Should Focus on Keeping Serge Ibaka, Not James Harden
July 31st, 2012 by Adam Fromal Leave a reply »
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