One could argue that stagnation is better than a step backwards, but I don't agree that this trade is a massive step back. Kevin Martin has lost a step, and is coming off a season hampered by injuries. But if you slot Kevin Martin into the role Harden played for the Thunder, I see it as an ideal fit. Martin can hang out and poach threes for 20 minutes a game. And Jeremy Lamb gives the Thunder a really intriguing piece going forward. His slide on draft day seemed excessive, and he looked great in preseason. Put him in a winning system like Oklahoma City, and I love Lamb's potential.

The trade also allows the Thunder to continue their model. The Thunder's success has been built on drafting well, and maintaining flexibility to make moves. The trade nets Oklahoma City two first round draft picks, which Presti can use to acquire even more talent. Kevin Martin also provides flexibility. He's a $14 million expiring contract. That's significant trade bait at the deadline. Or the Thunder can let Martin leave at the end of the year. If Martin leaves and the Thunder amnesty Perkins, the Thunder would have roughly $20 million in cap space next offseason. And that's with Durant, Westbrook and Ibaka already locked up long-term. That's incredible.

For this season, I think the trade lowers expectations for the Thunder, but only slightly. I still think the Thunder will be one of the top teams in the West. I still think they could easily emerge out of the Western Conference playoffs. Does anyone remember how well Oklahoma City played even when Harden disappeared in the Finals? Take away Harden and replace him with nothing, this is still an incredibly good team. Take him away and replace him with some sort of Martin/Lamb combination, and this team is still a top contender.

Ultimately, there was no guarantee the Thunder would emerge from the West this season. They still have a legitimate chance to be the top team in the West again. And now they've laid the groundwork to restock for multiple title runs going forward.