James Harden, Oklahoma City Thunder continue contract extension talks
Oct 27, 2012, 8:31 PM | Updated: 8:31 pm
According to Yahoo Sports, James Harden and Oklahoma City Thunder brass have met the past two days trying to hammer out a contract extension.
The 23-year-old shooting guard most recently turned down a four-year, $52 million deal and has been clamoring for the maximum extension of four years, $60 million, according to league sources.
The two sides are working to come to terms on a new deal before Wednesday at midnight, which is the NBA’s deadline for players in the 2009 draft class to ink an extension.
If they do not reach an agreement, Harden can become a restricted free agent on July 1. The Thunder could also decide to explore trade options for Harden, if a deal is not struck.
The Phoenix Suns, who have salary cap space, are one of several teams rumored to have interest in one of the NBA’s top rising stars.
Harden averaged 16.8 points and 4.1 rebounds in 31.4 minutes last season. He also won the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year Award.
