The only time a guy can leave you is when he gets close enough to make it happen. I think as these guys get closer and close to FA they become more enamored with it. I am pleased that James wanted to do this. Pleased that we did it as well. Obviously expensive but we have gotten a massive discount up to this point. Hopefully he continues his great play along with continued development with a focus on the defensive side of the ball.
I will say this: I don't see this as a reflection of hardens loyalty to the Rockets. The rockets offered him a deal that reflected their commitment to him and harden did what any player that isn't certain they are leaving would do. He signed the deal for more money and as a result is even more committed to the organization. This was mutually beneficial and ensures greater commitment of all parties.
Didn't rockets already bet on him showed their loyalty by signing him to the max when team he was drafted by and balled out for didn't want to ? Even when he wasn't a starter ? 2 sides to every story, but hopefully he balls out and starts playing both sides of the ball this year
And that's the point. Harden would have done the same as Curry in order to get Durant, but Durant didn't want to come here...so what was the point of all that capspace. Might as well give it to Harden as a a STATEMENT to him, to MDA and to the league that Harden is here to stay...get used to it...and come help him build something.
I agree. When $9million gets you Dellavadova. I'd rather keep my top player happy and build from there.
I got nothing to add Just quoting so you can SAY THIS AGAIN Rocket River Too long to be added to my signature
Contrary to the conventional wisdom around here, knowing that Harden is signed for a few more years makes us MORE attractive for free agents. That said, this extension explains why we passed on cheap free agents this year like Seth Curry.
I really think we spent our money really well this off-season. Thumbs up for all the pickups. Morey doing his thing again.
This is huge. Easily second best move Morey has made during his tenure besides trading for Harden in the first place.
Contracts are renegotiated more than you might think. Ty Lawson did one last year as requirement for us to trade for him. He removed a year of compensation protection. Howard renegotiated with ORL to remove his ETO. Paul renegotiated to remove a PO. As I recall, Shaq got more years and money, once. Contracts CANNOT be renegotiated downward in salary. I guess you mean how often do players successfully renegotiate for substantially more money. Well, in that case, understand there are very few opportunities to do that. Generally, only franchise players can favorably renegotiate, and since they are already at a Max with 7.5% increases, they can't get more money. However, in Harden's case, the Cap just jumped 35%, so he was able to get significantly more money. But this is a rare scenario where the Cap/Max increases out-performs standard contract 7.5% raises significantly. Also, you can't do this until the 3rd yr of a 4+ length contract and you can only pay for salary increases with cap space. So those two requirements eliminates many players from the equation. And, it's not necessary to do this in the 3rd yr of a rookie-scale contract, because you have other ways to lock up players at max.
I am cool with Harden being the franchise player. I'm not crazy about the ball being in his hand all the time.