Playing Fact or Fiction with Latest Oklahoma City Thunder Rumors

The most popular teams in the NBA always seem to have the most rumors. Such is the case with the Oklahoma City Thunder, recently eliminated by the Miami Heat in the 2012 NBA Finals. 

Whether the rumors deal with players or coaches, they're popping up all over the place as everyone tries to figure out how this young team can make the leap and get past the other 29 teams in the NBA. 

Let's play fact of fiction with some rumors. 

James Harden Trade

In the middle of the 2012 NBA Finals, the rumor broke that the Charlotte Bobcats were hoping to deal away the No. 2 pick in the draft for some established players. James Harden was one of those players, and the headliner in the rumor.

Harden has been an incredibly valuable player to the Oklahoma City Thunder, even if he did wet the bed during the Finals and let his teammates down over and over again. The Sixth Man of the Year shouldn't be defined by just one playoff series, despite the fact that he played at a subpar level.

Sam Presti recognizes this and the value that Harden has to his team.

The primary reason for this rumor is the inevitably difficult time that OKC is going to have signing both Harden and Serge Ibaka, who could both be headed for max contracts. If that's the case, one of them is likely to leave for a different team.

Still though, if Harden is indeed dealt, it'll be for more than just a No. 2 pick.

Verdict: Fiction 

James Harden Extension

The trading of James Harden becomes even less likely because of the fact that Harden himself is talking about an extension and his desire to continue coming off the bench for the Oklahoma City Thunder. 

In news that OKC fans will certainly enjoy hearing, Harden is even hinting that he may take less money for an opportunity to keep the core of the team together: 

"

This is something special here. A dynasty is being built here. So we're winning, we're having fun and we're brothers. The other stuff, you can't buy it.

"

We'll see how this one plays out when July gets here as Harden, as well as Serge Ibaka and injured backup point guard Eric Maynor, is eligible for a contract extension.

Even though a higher priority should be placed on re-signing Ibaka—Ibaka isn't the better player, but he's more valuable because of the unique combination of shot-blocking and pick-and-popping—Harden will still be heavily discussed as the Thunder should pull out all the stops to convince him to stay with the Thunder.

At the moment, it doesn't sound like there's much convincing necessary.

Verdict: Fact 

Scott Brooks Out

The following comes from Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski: 

"

What's more, Brooks is still working to solidify his own future as Oklahoma City coach. GM Sam Presti wants him back when his contract expires at the end of the Finals, but league sources say Presti has offered a three-year deal worth just under $11 million that Brooks and his agent weren't willing to accept in the past. They've set aside talks for the playoffs, and compromise could come with a guaranteed fourth year. The Thunder needed to see Brooks take one more step with this young team before committing too far into the long term, and Brooks delivered with a conference final victory over the San Antonio Spurs.

It isn't beyond possibility that Brooks tries to use the Portland and Orlando jobs as leverage at season's end, but it's hard to imagine him walking away from this Thunder core – with or without a title. And for all the Thunder's bluffing, let's be honest: Who are they going to hire? Presti is controlling in the way he runs the Thunder, and there are a lot of strong-minded, opinionated coaches who'd never fit into his culture.

"

Wojnarowski pretty much nailed it. Just because Brooks turned down a contract offer doesn't mean that he's done with the team. He just feels as though he deserves more money. 

Brooks took a lot of heat during and after the 2012 NBA Finals. he was criticized for his failure to start James Harden, the lack of early adjustments, poor management of his superstars' minutes and playing an injured Kendrick Perkins too much. 

All of the criticisms may be deserved, but Brooks is still a fantastic motivational coach who sometimes struggles with the nitty gritty details. He's young and only going to get better, much like the vast majority of his rotation on the court. 

Don't expect anyone besides Brooks to be roaming the sidelines for OKC next season, unless they have the word "assistant" appear in their title. 

Verdict: Fiction

Phil Jackson or Jeff Van Gundy In

This rumor piggybacks off the previous one, which sort of sets it up for failure, seeing as I've already debunked the last one. 

However, let's run with it. 

The rumor claims that the Thunder are pursuing two of the biggest names on the coaching market: Jeff Van Gundy, brother of the recently fired Stan Van Gundy, and retired Phil Jackson. While Van Gundy doesn't have chemistry with the players on the team, Jackson's disciplined strategies just don't mesh with the playing style of the Thunder. 

It's hard to put it any better than general manager Sam Presti did: "To me, it's rubbish."

Verdict: Fiction