The Oklahoma City Thunder signed Kevin Durant to a max rookie contract extension in 2010 that went into effect in the 2011-12 season, but the lockout added the Rose Rule provision that left Durant’s deal in limbo. His agent argued for the additional money, and the NBA gave it to KD. That left the Thunder paying more than expected for Durant and feeling the cap squeeze with Russell Westbrook and James Harden needing new contracts. Sam Presti ultimately traded Harden and got the additional KD money back from the owners.
Brian Windhorst gave many of the details on a recent episode of the Hoop Collective podcast.