Could James Harden Join Giannis Antetokounmpo In Milwaukee? Bucks Make Star’s Trade List

James Harden wants to be traded, and it’s likely only a matter of time before the Houston Rockets acquiesce to their star’s request. While Harden’s initial request focused on the Brooklyn Nets, he reportedly has added a few contenders to his preferred destinations.

The Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat are now on Harden’s trade list, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reports. It had previously been reported that Harden was hoping to land with the Nets or Philadelphia 76ers.

Harden can’t block a trade anywhere, but he’ll probably only be sent to a team that he has an interest in joining. The Rockets are demanding a trade package that includes a promising young star and a haul of draft picks. Don’t expect a team to meet Houston’s asking price if Harden indicates he’ll leave as a free agent in the summer of 2022.

One would have to think Milwaukee is interested in pairing Harden with Giannis Antetokounmpo. They’ve won the last three NBA MVP awards. The Bucks have fallen short of the NBA Finals as the East’s No.1 seed in each of the last two seasons. Adding Harden could be what gets Milwaukee over the hump in 2021.

A trade sending Harden to Milwaukee, however, might not be very realistic.

The Bucks already made a big trade in the offseason that will probably preclude them from presenting an acceptable offer to the Rockets. Milwaukee gave up three future first-round draft picks and two pick swaps in order to acquire Jrue Holiday. Unable to send Houston any significant draft capital, the Bucks are unlikely to match what other teams can offer.

Khris Middleton and Donte DiVincenzo alone won’t get the job done.

There might even be a chance that Antetokounmpo doesn’t want to play with Harden. The superstars publicly traded barbs last season. As Milwaukee focuses on signing Antetokounmpo to a contract extension, the Bucks won’t make a deal that doesn’t have the blessing of their best player.

Philadelphia can probably trump any offer by including Ben Simmons in a trade for Harden. It remains to be seen if the 76ers are prepared to deal the former No.1 overall pick.

Miami might be able to make a competitive offer by including Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, a few veterans and future first-round picks. Herro’s value rose exponentially in the playoffs when he averaged 16.0 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game as a rookie.