$16 Million per Year is Enough

On October 28, 2012, I wrote a blog about the contract involving the James Harden trade from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Houston Rockets.  The blog was titled $13 Million per Year is Not Enough?

James Harden - Houston Rockets

In the article, I mentioned what Chris Broussard of ESPN’s The Magazine quoted concerning James Harden’s contract negotiations where the “Thunder offered Harden $55.5 million over four years -- $4.5 million less than the max deal Harden coveted and will get from the Rockets…” 

According to Yahoo Sports.com on October 31, 2012, Harden will receive a guaranteed $16 million a year over 5 years totaling $80 million.  Head coach of the Houston Rockets, Kevin McHale was quoted as saying, “We have him for this year and five more, so six years,''   

If I would have waited a few days to write my blog, I could have seen what James Harden saw, which is $3 million more per year.  One great thing for NBA players is that contracts are guaranteed.  If a player gets hurt, he still receives his money.

Not that James cares, but I have no hard feelings with him on this decision.  Especially if James decides to play the way he played in his opening game as a starter for the Rockets.  Accordingto NBA.com, Harden produced 37 points, 12 assists and 6 rebounds on the road vs. the Detroit Pistons.  Incredible James!  Incredible!