Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

It’s media day for most NBA teams today including the Oklahoma City Thunder. The No. 1 storyline going into this coming season for the Thunder is James Harden and his contract situation.

The Thunder have until Oct. 31 to sign Harden to an extension otherwise he will become a restricted free agent after the season thus allowing for the rest of the league to determine his value (which will be a max contract).

Once the Thunder extended Serge Ibaka earlier this summer, the ability to also extend Harden seemed like it would be very tough to do.

Harden was asked if he thought he would sign an extension with the Thunder before Oct. 31 at media day today and he simply replied, “Yeah.” Harden went on to say that he is willing to “sacrifice” to stay in OKC and would accept less than a maximum contract.

There have been a lot of rumors surrounding Harden and signing a contract lately. It was reported by Chris Broussard earlier that Harden wanted a max and would not accept anything less.

Kendrick Perkins came out and said that he thought Harden would sign an extension shortly after coming back to Oklahoma City and seeing his friends and family.

Thunder GM Sam Presti has recently expressed his thoughts on the situation saying that it will be difficult to keep Harden given the new CBA.

Harden himself has always talked about sacrifice and his willingness to do so in order to remain a part of what is something special in OKC. His answers to questions today are good news for the Thunder faithful.