I am not talking about who is the better individual player. But one has to ask oneself in the long run are Lamb and Jackson really that much worse than Harden when he was in OKC? Jackson and Durant are posting a ridiculous +- net rating, probably the highest among duos They still have to prove themselves in the playoffs but Reggie Jackson can play. 12.2 ppg 3.8 rbg 3.4 apg ----17.19 PER Someone check his RAPM
Here is the crazy thing though. They could have just had both. There was no need to only have on or the other if you just amnesty Perkins.
Sam Presti probably saw what we all see with Harden. He is an all offense no defensive effort guy who needs the ball in his hands to be effective. He would be the clear cut third best player on OKC along with Durant/Westbrook. You can't be paying max money to a bench player. That is a recipe for disaster. His only mistake was pulling the trigger too early. Showcase Harden for a bit, then you could get a huge sign/trade for him in the offseason. That said, Adams/Lamb are solid players off the bench. The trade is looking better every day.
Harden wasn't a "no defensive effort" player at OKC. In that aspect he's seriously declined since leaving OKC. Very disappointing.
It's all about what benefits OKC at this point. There is no denying that Harden has an ego. I don't think he wants to be a 6th man forever and taking a lot less shots than Westbrook.
