In either case the end effect is the essentially the same. Either Sam is at MSFT and can continue to work with openAI IP, or he's back at openAI and do the same. In both cases the net effect for MSFT is similar and not materially different, although the revealed preference of Sam's return to openAI indicates the second option was the preferred one.
[Edit for grammar]
Sam and Greg will be joining Microsoft.
And:
Sam and Greg have in principle agreed to join Microsoft but not signed anything.
If Microsoft has (now) agreed to release either of them (or anyone else) from contractual obligations, then the first one was true.
If not, then the first was was a lie, and the second one was true.
This whole drama has been punctuated by a great deal of speculation, pivots, changes and, bluntly, lies.
Why do we need to sugar coat it?
Where the fuck is this new magical Microsoft research lab?
Microsoft preparing a new office for openAI employees? Really? Is that also true?
Is Sam actually going to be on the board now, or is this another twist in this farcical drama when they blow it off again?
I see no reason to, at least point, give anyone involved the benefit of the doubt.
Once the board actually changes, or Microsoft actually does something, I’m happy to change my tune, but I’m calling what I see.
Sam did not join Microsoft at any point.