NBA Trade Rumors: Bucks, Heat Join James Harden's List Of Preferred Destinations

KEY POINTS

Harden's feud with Antetokounmpo could prevent him from joining the Bucks
The Heat don't have assets to convince the Rockets to let go of Harden
Harden seemingly has no choice but to stay in Houston

James Harden is expanding his list of preferred NBA teams for the coming season.

With his chances of moving to the Brooklyn Nets or the Philadelphia 76ers failing to gain ground, the Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat have now been added.

Harden’s interest to join the Bucks was revealed to Shams Charania of The Athletic who cited unnamed sources.

If the deal gains any momentum, it raises questions on how such would affect the future of both clubs heading into the 2020-21 season.

It could serve as a big blow in the Bucks' efforts to sign Antetokounmpo to a max contract.

To compound the misery, both Harden Antetokounmpo have exchanged barbs in the past. The last one was concerning the 2018 NBA MVP which the Bucks star won to make it back-to-back, ESPN reported.

Harden finished second in the MVP race, and the Rockets organization felt “The Beard” was the rightful winner.

Unless things have simmered down between them, seeing an Antetokounmpo and Harden tandem raises more questions than answers.

Also, Milwaukee will have to give up a good package to land the eight-time NBA All-Star.

That lucrative offer is likely to be led by Khris Middleton, someone who has been playing well under head coach Mike Budenholzer. Aside from the 29-year-old, Brook Lopez and some first-round picks could seal the deal, NBC Sports reported.

The Heat may have lower chances. They have no plans to trade away Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, two names that could wet the interest of the Rockets. The same case applies to Jimmy Butler.

A solution that the Heat could resort to is to remove the lottery protections on the 2023 first-rounder owed to the Oklahoma City Thunder. This could open possibilities for their 2025 and 2027 picks.

The scenario is a bit complicated, but the real question is will Harden mesh with Butler and the young crew?

Harden continues to stand pat on his desire to join a contender squad. The Bucks and the Heat fit that category.

But somehow, getting him a new home before the start of the season seems to be realistic for now. Hence, all Harden can do now is wait and see.