Kendrick Perkins expecting James Harden to return to the Oklahoma City Thunder – NBA News
The coaching staff of the Oklahoma City Thunder must be doing something right, because they have put together a great team that not only excels on the court, but is also closely knit and has a relationship of brotherhood among
themselves. It is one of the reasons why the Thunder have managed to sign contract extensions with Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka. They all wanted to keep the team together and continue playing here. And now, James Harden is next in line.
Harden is on the final year of his contract and will become a free agent next season. Judging by the type of season he had this past year, where he won the 6th man of the year award, teams will be lining up for him if
he hits free agency.
However, like the rest of the Thunder team, Harden wants to stay at Oklahoma City and win a couple of championships with this team. Harden has said on numerous occasions that he wants to stay put and cannot think of playing for
any other franchise. The only thing that now needs to be determined in his contract price.
Judging by the type of play Harden has exhibited last season, he should be getting a max deal. However, the Thunder are already battling cap space issues and may not be able to give Harden the contract he wants and deserves. The
question is whether Harden will take a pay cut to remain with the Thunder.
Kendrick Perkins, the veteran centre, believes that Harden is close to signing an extension with the Thunder, and says that Harden knows this is home and will return to the side.
“We’re getting close with James, and we’re getting close to keeping our unit together. Once James gets here, it’s nothing to be said. He’ll see his family and that’s all he needs. So once he sees everybody’s faces that’s enough
said,” said Perkins.
If Harden returns, the Thunder will have their core locked in for the next few seasons, which could mean that they can focus on winning a couple of championships together. And they have the pieces to win one as early as next year.
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