Thunder breaks up with James Harden over a text. Really?

Clearly the big news this weekend amongst the NBA was Harden’s trade to Houston. We all know that these kinds of things come with the territory; that the NBA is ultimately a business.

But why did Oklahoma Thunder GM Sam Presti, have to do it over a text message?

“I was actually at dinner with my family, just enjoying dinner, nice and quiet. Then, I got a text from my General Manager, Sam Presti.  I called him and he told me that he loved me and that things just didn’t work out and that I was going to be coming to Houston. I was kinda stunned, but as I thought about it, I think it could be a good thing for me. [The last 24 hours] have been a whirlwind. Having to pack my things and get as much as possible and come to Houston, getting physicals and meeting the team and the front office here, it’s been great…but like I said, I’m kinda lost for words. Obviously with the Thunder…we had something special, but at the end of the day it is a business. I’m looking forward to being in Houston.”

This kind of stuff happens all the time. A player finds out he’s getting traded on the news/twitter, or an owner finds out where his best player is headed in a 1-hour special on ESPN. Doesn’t anybody CALL anymore? (At least Harden called Presti after he got the text.)

Here’s Harden’s interview w/ Kelli Johnson this weekend. Harden says he was “stunned.”

 

After watching this I thought about how Lebron told Cleveland, how Dwight left Orlando, how Lamar handled his trade, and how Presti sent Harden a text message.

Is there a right way to say goodbye? And if so, what is it? Thoughts?

via Vladtv.com

 

P.S. Somewhere Trina is laughing about this, since Harden reportedly broke up with her over a text message back in August.