Could Oklahoma City Actually Be Considering Trading James Harden In The Offseason?

Arguably the second most popular player on the Oklahoma City Thunder roster behind Kevin Durant, reigning Sixth Man of the Year James Harden could possibly be on the trade block during the offseason according to a report from CBSSports.com.

The report quotes an anonymous source as saying the Thunder might consider moving Harden, as he and Serge Ibaka are both due for extensions following next season.

Considering the team has committed a huge amount of money on Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, the Thunder would be hard pressed to keep all four players unless someone is willing to stay for less than market value.

Durant signed a five-year maximum extension in July 2010 worth $86 million, while Westbrook inked a five-year maximum extension in January of this year rumored to be in the $80 million range as well.

With that much money tied up already, it's not out of the realm of possibility the team may have to trade Harden or Ibaka, but could the Thunder really part with one of the most important reasons why they are playing in the 2012 Finals?

While Harden comes off the bench for the Thunder, he is almost always on the floor in the fourth quarter when the game is on the line, which is the time when the really good players are always on the court.

He's averaging 16.8 points per game in these playoffs, which oddly enough is the same number he averaged during the regular season.

But the most important thing about Harden isn't necessarily the number of points that he provides, but when he provides them.

When Durant and Westbrook are struggling, more often that not Harden is the one that will keep the team together on offense by sparking big turnarounds with even bigger shots.

He's also one of the big reasons teams struggle guarding the Thunder on defense as almost no one in the league has three players that are good enough defensively to hold Harden, Durant, and Westbrook in check for a full game.

The report from CBSSports.com mentions that Harden might be in play in a potential trade with the Charlotte Bobcats, as they are looking into trade scenarios involving their #2 pick in this month's draft and are interested in acquiring a solid veteran in return.

The Bobcats know they need more than just one rookie to help turn around their franchise after a horrendous season in which they had a league worst 7-59 record, and they could use a player of Harden's abilities to help in that movement.

However, I can't imagine the Thunder letting go of Harden this summer unless they get a mind-blowing offer that they just can't pass up.

With the rumors that the Bobcats want whichever team they trade the second pick with to also take on a bad contract like Tyrus Thomas or DeSagana Diop, there's almost zero chance Thunder GM Sam Presti agrees to a deal like that.

Even if the Thunder realize they can't afford to keep their quartet together, I can't imagine them doing anything before next season's trade deadline.

However, I think team owner Clay Bennett will find a way to keep this core group together, as they could dominate the Western Conference for the next decade with Durant, Westbrook, Harden, and Ibaka leading the charge.

If you were Sam Presti, would you consider moving Harden or Ibaka? If so, is a deal with Charlotte the right move for them to make? Share your thoughts below in the comments section.