James Harden was traded by the Oklahoma City Thunder two years ago as he pursued a more lucrative contract extension, a position that the Thunder now face with Reggie Jackson.

“I went through the same thing,” Harden said about contract negotiations between Jackson and the Thunder. “Obviously, his is prolonged more. That’s (tougher). Credit to him. He’s handling it great. He’s been a great leader. Since he’s been on the court he’s been playing very good basketball, and he’s handling it the right way. I’m sure good things are going to happen for Reggie.”

Jackson has made it clear that he is hoping to receive a more prominent, starting role.

“I fell into the same situation, and that could have been my only contract And I’m sure Reggie feels the same way,” Harden said. “He has to get the money that he’s earned and that he’s worked his whole life for. It’s the nature of the business. It’s going to happen every single year and it’s going to continue to happen.

“I just said to him, keep going out there and hooping. Do what you’re doing; going out there, being aggressive and attacking, being the vocal leader that you are and everything will fall into place.”