NBA Rumors: Thunder dealt James Harden in 2012 because he partied too much

We’re just now finding out why exactly the Oklahoma City Thunder sent James Harden packing in 2012

Back in 2012, the Oklahoma City Thunder were one of the fastest rising organizations in the NBA. With talented players such as Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Serge Ibaka and James Harden, they were able to make the NBA Finals, a series which they ultimately ended up losing to the Miami Heat.

But then something interesting took place not much longer after that. In a move that shocked some, Harden was traded to the Houston Rockets, taking out one of the key members of the roster that had made it that far in the playoffs. Now, though, it seems we’re finally learning the real reason that Harden was sent on his way.

According to Steve Kyler during a recent podcast episode for Basketball Insiders, when the Thunder were taking on the Heat in the Finals that year, Harden may have been enjoying South Beach just a little too much.

"It was a lot more about James and James’ mindset. You’re kind of seeing it play out now in Houston, is what the Oklahoma City Thunder were afraid of, and that is, if you rewind back to the NBA Finals run, James was kind of a ghost in the NBA Finals. In Miami, there were rumors that he was out late on South Beach."

For those that remember, while Harden was an integral part of the team, he struggled against the Heat when it mattered the most, and now we’re getting an explanation as to why he dropped off during the last series of the season.

Really, knowing all we know about Harden now, does this really surprise anyone?