NBA: Seven Teams That Nearly Traded For James Harden In 2012

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Jan 30, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) drives the ball to the basket as Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) defends during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. The Wizards won 123-122. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Washington Wizards

Earlier, I stated that it was believed that the Warriors were Presti’s first call when he started shopping Harden. Well, the Wizards were second. Unfortunately, the owner being unwilling to commit to a five-year, roughly $80 million contract, the deal never went through.

Instead, the Wizards rejected the Thunder’s proposal of James Harden in exchange for Bradley Beal and Chris Singleton.

For reference, Beal has been injured every season of his career so far and Singleton is out of the league.

I bet that owner Ted Leonsis would be more than willing to pay a mere $80 million (bargain in the current financial landscape) to pair Harden alongside All-Star John Wall right about now.

Who knows, maybe the two could’ve even convinced Kevin Durant to come home to Washington this past offseason.

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