No.
They need Westbrook but they also need Harden. Should have bitten the bullet for a few years while the iron is hot. Harden's value would have only gotten higher. Never a fan of owners going cheap.
I'm honestly not sure they would have traded Harden except they got exceptional value from him.
- Martin: competent scoring threat on an expiring contract
- Lamb: young talent with tons of potential
- 2 first round picks and a 2nd from a rebuilding team
Pick-wise that is almost exactly what the Rams got from the Redskins for RG3. I think these scenarios are pretty similar. Both teams got really good deals. Obviously Harden is a better player but (including Lamb) 3 first rounders, a 2nd rounder and Kevin Martin is awfully good value for a guy who wants 16M at the conclusion of the season.
I personally think Houston overpaid for Harden despite his monster performance against the Pistons the other night. Houston has been overpaying guys so their fan base doesn't leave; see Lin and Asik. People forget Houston is the 4th largest city in America and they have a really great market for endorsement deals. I'm kind of surprised Dwight didn't push to go there as much as they wanted him.
How about something like Westbrook for Mo Williams, Alec Burks, Enes Kanter and the picks Utah owns (their own and Golden State's)?
Mo is on his way down and the other guys are unproven. Westbrook is a top 5 player by his stats last season.
Or maybe Minnesota for Rubio, Ridnour, Derrick Williams and future picks?
That is a really interesting trade for both teams but I doubt Minny lets Rubio go before his rookie deal is over. Maybe if he's an injury mess.
Or Charlotte with Ben Gordon, MKG?
You would have to pay for a team to take on Ben Gorden, no way he goes in a deal for Westbrook. If MKG starts looking like MJ then maybe...then again you'd think MJ would notice that
Or Toronto, pre-Lowry, for Calderon, Jonas V and their lotto pick?
Still not value for Westbrook. I'm not even sure they would trade Westbrook for Rondo at this point. I know they didn't a year or so ago and since then Rondo has gotten better. I think OKC is so high on Westbrook that it would take a top 20 player on a smaller contract to get them to budge. Think John Wall or Kyrie Irving types.