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09:43 AM ET 10.28 | The Thunder-Rockets deal comes on the heels of negligible progress being made on a contract extension for James Harden following nearly four months of negotiating that began on July 1. As a result, the Thunder parted ways with the fan favorite after stagnant talks made it clear Harden would be too much of a financial burden to keep. "We wanted to sign James to an extension, but at the end of the day these situations have to work for all those involved," GM Sam Presti said in a statement released by the team late Saturday night A report by Yahoo! Sports on Saturday afternoon said Harden recently turned down a four-year extension worth roughly $52 million but was still in negotiations with the Thunder. The report also was the latest to say Harden is pushing for a max deal, expected to be roughly $60 million over four years. But with max contracts extended to Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook -- as well as more than $52 million invested in Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins over the next three seasons alone -- the Thunder faced the possibility of stiff penalties under the new, more punitive collective bargaining agreement.

James Harden, Layne Murdoch/Getty Images

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October 28, 2012 09:54 AM ET

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Greed, Gluttony And Pride Will Be Your Undoing, Bro.

I Love LA

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October 28, 2012 10:03 AM ET

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Great trade for both teams... I'm surprised the Thunder didn't wait a little longer to maybe get more without giving up as much players but either way a solid trade..

Swauny Jones

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October 28, 2012 10:11 AM ET

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QUOTE(#6):

Originally posted 10:03 AM ET 10.28 by Swauny Jones

Great trade for both teams... I'm surprised the Thunder didn't wait a little longer to maybe get more without giving up as much players but either way a solid trade..

But they did it without going through a bunch of drama and in time to absorb new players before the playoffs. Smart move.

Sittlichk-8

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October 28, 2012 10:13 AM ET

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QUOTE(#8):

Originally posted 10:09 AM ET 10.28 by MMAFan

They had till Wednesday to get Harden signed. I'm not sure why maybe he becomes a free agent or restricted free agent?

he'd be a restricted free agent had they waited till the offseason... I just think if they waited and traded him by Wednesday he they probably would've been able to fleece a team of better assets for him... still a good trade either way though..

Swauny Jones

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October 28, 2012 10:18 AM ET

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Originally posted 10:16 AM ET 10.28 by Just another DJ

Lamb's a young version of T-Mac. They got a lot, but Houston made out too.

I don't know about comparing him to T-Mac, but yeah he's a good player... Both teams definitely benefited from this trade..

Swauny Jones

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October 28, 2012 10:20 AM ET

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This is a good trade for: the Rockets and Harden
Not a good trade for: Thunder, Martin

JIGSAW

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October 28, 2012 10:25 AM ET

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QUOTE(#9):

Originally posted 10:11 AM ET 10.28 by Sittlichk-8

But they did it without going through a bunch of drama and in time to absorb new players before the playoffs. Smart move.

Completely agree...

Gutsy move... But a business move that was made without allowing emotion to rear it's head.

Otis B. Driftwood

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October 28, 2012 10:34 AM ET

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The only way this turns out well for the Thunder is if Martin can stay healthy--which has been a problem. I also don't particularly like the fact that OKC still needs someone to play the point.