James Harden Traded to the Houston Rockets for Kevin Martin, Jeremy Lamb and Two 2013 1st Round Draft Picks
By Jason McIntyre
In return for Harden, the Thunder acquired Kevin Martin, rookie Jeremy Lamb, and “future draft considerations.” [UPDATE: OKC got two 2013 first round draft picks from Houston. The picks are from Dallas and Toronto, two likely lottery teams. So basically, three 1st round draft picks, since Jeremy Lamb was a lottery pick in 2012.]
[UPDATE: The Dallas draft pick is protected until 2018.]
In addition to Harden, the Rockets acquired Cole Aldrich, Lazr Hayward and Daquan Cook. I’m going to guess not all those guys make the team.
Clearly the Thunder and Harden couldn’t come to an agreement on a long-term extension. This was an issue that was discussed before and after the Thunder signed Serge Ibaka to a 4-year, $48 million extension in August.
Houston’s backcourt is suddenly attractive: Jeremy Lin and James Harden. I wouldn’t be surprised if Harden finished in the top five in the NBA in scoring this season. The Rockets are young and don’t have much scoring inside.
The Thunder will once again be led by Durant and Westbrook, but having trigger-happy K-Mart come off the bench, plus potential-laden shooting guard Jeremy Lamb, keeps the Thunder as arguably the best team in the West (with the Lakers).