The Houston Rockets were blessed when they acquired James Harden ahead of the 2013-14 season. Some people don't know that they can thank the league for that acquisition.
The Hoop Collective's Brian Windhorst recently detailed that history. It's an interesting listen that could enlighten a lot of fans.
"The league actually changed Kevin Durant's contract...the new rules didn't fit (his) current contract...he was making less money than he should have been....the league stepped in and gave him an extra $3 million a year"
-Brian Windhorst
Three million is a paltry sum in 2025, but it meant a bit more back then.