Kendrick Perkins unveils the truth behind James Harden’s monumental trade to the Rockets
In a move that would reshape the landscape of the NBA, the Houston Rockets executed a trade in 2012 that is often regarded as one of the most lopsided deals in league history. This pivotal transaction saw the Rockets acquire James Harden from the Oklahoma City Thunder, a gamble that would ultimately define the tenure of then-General Manager Daryl Morey.
The Trade That Changed Everything
Following a disappointing collapse in the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat, the Thunder faced a critical decision regarding their roster. Harden, who had emerged as a vital contributor to the team’s success as a Sixth Man, found himself overshadowed by superstars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Despite his significant role, Harden had not yet achieved All-Star status but did earn a spot on the Olympic team, highlighting his potential.
The Rockets, recognizing his talent, made a bold move by trading Kevin Martin, Jeremy Lamb, and three future first-round picks. Those picks eventually materialized into valuable assets for the Thunder, including Steven Adams. Houston’s gamble also came with the assurance of an $80 million contract for Harden, a figure that the Thunder front office, led by Sam Presti, deemed excessive. Presti opted instead to secure a long-term deal for Serge Ibaka, banking on Martin to fill the void left by Harden’s departure. As history has shown, that decision proved to be a miscalculation.
The Influence of LeBron and Wade
According to Kendrick Perkins, who was Oklahoma City’s starting center at the time of the trade, external influences played a significant role in Harden’s eventual departure. During a recent appearance on the Road Trippin Show, Perkins recounted a pivotal moment during the Olympics, where conversations with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade encouraged Harden to seek his own path.
“KD came back, they were all at the Olympics. They had just won gold. James was there, KD was there, Russ was there,” Perkins recalled. “And we went into training camp and KD was like, ‘Bro, we gonna lose James.’ He explained that LeBron and D. Wade were telling Harden he needed to be the guy on his own team. Then the contract negotiations started, and when I talked to James, he said, ‘I want the max. I want to be a franchise guy.'”
Harden’s Legacy in Houston
What followed was a remarkable chapter in the history of the Rockets. Harden transformed into the second-greatest player in franchise history, winning the MVP award in the 2017-18 season and finishing as a finalist for the honor in four additional years. His scoring prowess was undeniable, capturing the scoring title for three consecutive seasons during his tenure in Houston. Under his leadership, the Rockets secured at least 50 wins in five of his final seven seasons, establishing themselves as perennial contenders in the Western Conference.
As the narrative of Harden’s career continues to unfold, the 2012 trade remains a cornerstone moment, highlighting the complex interplay of talent, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of success in the NBA.
