Sam Presti Addresses James Harden Extension Situation

Sam Presti addressed the possibility of James Harden agreeing to an extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

“James is somebody we value,” Presti said Monday afternoon. “We think he's an important part to what we're trying to do with our team and we're hopeful that he'll be with us.”

Harden and the Thunder have until the beginning of the season to agree to an extension, otherwise he will be a restricted free agent in July of 2013.

“By the same token, we've been very upfront and transparent with everybody that we have some inherent challenges that we face as an organization as a result of the new collective bargaining agreement,” Presti said. “I know we'd love to have him here. I think James would like to be here as well. But at the end of the day ... you have to find a way to make it work for everybody.”

In the 13-14 season, when the new contracts for Serge Ibaka and Harden would begin, the luxury tax would kick in. The Thunder already has $53.9 million committed to Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins for that season.