The 2021-22 NBA playoffs continue, with eight teams playing in the division semifinals. Harden and Clay are still trying to help their team advance to the division finals. At this juncture, the US media "Fadeaway World" exposed the interesting story of Harden leaving the Thunder that year, and it turned out that the original offer to the Thunder management at the beginning was not the Rockets but the Warriors!
"Fadeaway World" exposed the Warriors' offer that year, when the Thunder wanted to trade Harden out of the team, the Warriors wanted to make a 3-for-1 deal with the Thunder, the Warriors wanted to recruit Harden to partner Curry, and the Warriors gave the chip Klay + Bidlins + Jefferson. Didn't expect that? Harden and Klay almost swapped owners that year, but unfortunately, Thunder general manager Preston rejected the Warriors' trade proposal, and in the end, Harden had to go to the Rockets.
When they learned of this trade proposal, many fans felt very sorry. After all, Harden and Curry are both top scorers, and if they can join forces to win the championship, Harden will not have won the championship until now. However, is there a possibility that if the deal is reached, the 4-year 3 crowns should be the Thunder? After all, Durant and Westbrook were still in the Thunder at the time, and there was also an Ibaka on the inside, and if they could get Klay Thompson, the Thunder still had the strength to rush the championship.
However, since Thompson was still a rookie that year, the Thunder did not dare to risk making the deal. But the reality is often so harsh that it turns out that Thunder general manager Preston should not refuse the deal. We can look at Clay's career statistics, so far in his career, Clay has averaged 19.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game, shooting 45.8% from the field and 41.7% from three-point range. Even in his first season, Clay's three-point shooting percentage reached 41.4%, which has shown a shooter essence.
Previously, in the glorious history of the Warriors to win 3 championships in 4 years, Klay played an important role. Of course, Curry is still the backbone of the Warriors, but if you want to complete the great cause of 4 years and 3 crowns, the Splash Brothers are indispensable. But considering that when the Warriors' last two crowns, there is still a Durant in the lineup. If Harden and Klay really exchanged owners that year, then Durant should not leave the Thunder to join the Warriors, perhaps, Durant can really realize his championship dream at the Thunder!