NBA players react to James Harden turning down the biggest extension ever

There’s no doubt that James Harden is one of the greatest offensive talents to ever play in the NBA, so no one would have criticized the Houston Rockets for offering the most lucrative contract extension in the history of the game.

Even if Harden’s lack of success in the playoffs has always tainted his otherwise flawless résumé, he’s been the face of the franchise for almost a decade and they’ll only go as far as he can take them.

However, it seems like Harden has already grown sick and tired of the team and just doesn’t want to be there anymore, as he recently turned down an extension that would make him the first player to ever cash in over $50 million a year.

James Harden Turns Down 2-Year, $50 Million Extension And NBA Players React

“Sources: After turning down an extension offer to become the first $50M a year player in league history, James Harden’s message to Houston is clear: Get me to Brooklyn. Rockets and Nets have been in contact, but there’s been no meaningful dialogue,” ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski tweeted.

Needless to say, some of his colleagues – who are used to making a bunch load of money – just couldn’t believe that Harden would turn down such a huge extension, not even for the desire to win an NBA Championship.

It seems like Harden is determined to playing for the Brooklyn Nets side by side with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Nonetheless, the Rockets have no obligation to trade him now, as he’ll be under contract for the next three seasons.

Moreover, the Nets don’t have enough appealing assets for the Rockets to simply cave in and give them Harden. They have all the leverage right now and could move him somewhere else for a sweeter deal.

Harden will have no choice but to play for the Rockets until – if – they find him a suitable deal that gives them equal value in return. What is clear is that he definitely doesn’t want to be there anymore.