Help making a decision between Lebron and Harden in associat

[X32WaysToDie]

I just need some opinions on what I should do with my Thunder association.

I've just started the 2014-2015 season, and the post season saw some big changes for my Thunder. The biggest being Lebron decided to sign with me for a mere 5mil a season. I couldn't pass that up. I'm no Lebron fan, but I really like where my team is right now. Westbrook is a 3rd best player in the league now, so I have the 3 best players.. at least rank-wise. I also picked up a super atheletic Malcolm Lee, who is kinda sorta my poor-man's Harden. I've got Lebron starting at PF right now. Before I got Lebron, my starters were Westbrook, Lee, Durant, Perry Jones (who has also really developed well), and Ibaka. Reggie Jackson wants to test free agency this season, and I don't feel like pursuing him. I also was able to draft a top 5 2k draft 81 rating PF/SF who I really like. Anyway, I'm debating on moving Lebron to Houston so I can pick up Harden. Being from, and livingin OKC, I have an emotional attachment to Harden, and he's my favorite player right behind Westbrook. The real issue is that A: he costs almost 3x as much as Lebron does per season, which means I'll need to trade some pieces, since I'm already over the cap, and B: I'm interested in how this Lebron lineup will work out. My plan is to move Jackson, Jeremy Lamb, Lebron, and Daquan Cook. I'm just really debating it, because as I stated, I like my team, and I feel like Lebron at 5mil is a steal. I also have Malcolm Lee who has done a nice Harden-ish job, although he'll never have enough beard to replace him lol. What would you guys do in this situation?

[fjccommish]

The OP is a great highlight of the main problems with association.

[Andrew]

It's pretty hard to go past LeBron at that price, given what he's capable of. It also sounds like you might need to overpay to get Harden, since you'll need to work to get the salaries to match up. From the perspective of talent and all the messing around you'll have to do to get Harden, I'd stick with LeBron.

However, it's your Association and it's important that you enjoy it, which sometimes means getting your favourite players. Again, I'd personally stick with LeBron as he's obviously the superior player and I wouldn't want to gut my team just to match salaries to bring in a lesser star, but keep in mind you need to enjoy playing with your roster. If you really want Harden on your team at any cost, see what you can do without messing up your rotation.

[shadowgrin]

Lee comes off the bench. Play Westbrook as a SG and play LeBron as a PG. Like KG, PG is LeBron's natural position.

[werewolf914]

Lebron for 5mil? Wow, just, Wow. Could you give out some information about your 2013-2014 season? I want that, I want that bad.

[_Steve_]

I agree with Andrew. It's your association and your choice. BUT from a GM's point of view, swapping a cheap LeBron for Harden wouldn't make any sense to me.