FanPost

Ummmmmm...we could have actually had Harden?!

Warriors Feared Tax In Declining Trade For James Harden

Mar 08, 2013 2:59 PM EST

When Sam Presti decided to explore a trade of James Harden, his first call was reportedly to the Golden State Warriors.

The Oklahoma City Thunder sought Klay Thompson and a pick for Harden.

The Warriors only would explore a trade for Harden if the Thunder were willing to take back Andris Biedrins or Richard Jefferson for 2013 expiring contracts due to their concerns over the luxury tax for 2014.

The Warriors would have luxury tax penalties had they kept those two players along with the first year of extensions to Harden, Stephen Curry and ongoing deals for Andrew Bogut and David Lee.

Presti then discussed a deal with the Washington Wizards for Bradley Beal but was rebuked.

The Warriors used their amnesty clause on Charlie Bell in order to slightly improve their offer sheet to DeAndre Jordan that was ultimately matched by the Clippers.

The Thunder traded Harden to the Houston Rockets.

Via Bill Simmons/ESPN WTF?! Harden is a superstar. When offered a superstar, you take him. Can you imagine this squad with Harden instead of Klay? Wowww. I have otherwise been pretty happy with the front office, but this hurts. Really shows what a donkey move that amnesty was. As a side note though, without RJ or Beans in it though, what do you surmise the package would have had to of been? Also, I thought we couldn't have given a pick this year due to our next one being spoken for? I hope this isn't true, but I trust Bill Simmons.

This FanPost is a submission from a member of the mighty Golden State of Mind community. While we're all here to throw up that W, these words do not necessarily reflect the views of the GSoM Crew. Still, chances are the preceding post is Unstoppable Baby!