The first wave of NBA free agency has come and passed. It was an action-packed first few hours, which also saw the Milwaukee Bucks lock up Khris Middleton to a three-year extension worth $102 million. It was a massive development for the Bucks, no doubt, and one that will have a significant impact on their outlook for the upcoming season.
Amid all the craziness of free agency’s opening night, the noise surrounding James Harden and the Philadelphia 76ers has died down a bit. The Bucks have been linked to a potential swoop on the former league MVP, and while it may seem improbable to some, Milwaukee actually has a legitimate path toward trading for Harden. That is, of course, under the premise that they are willing to part ways with some of their most valuable assets in order to acquire the 10-time All-Star in a potential blockbuster trade.
Wild Trade Scenario Proposes Jrue Holiday-James Harden Swap Between Bucks And Sixers
In a rather contentious trade scenario proposed by Dan Favale of Bleacher Report, the Bucks give up Jrue Holiday to the Sixers in exchange for James Harden. Favale also notes that Milwaukee may need to “throw Philly a 2029 or 2030 first-rounder on top” to sweeten the deal.
Money-wise, the deal works. The Bucks absorb Harden’s $35.6 million contract for 2023-24, which is the same deal he just opted into recently. Milwaukee will then send Holiday and the $36.2 million he is owed next season to Philadelphia. It is with noting, though, that Jrue has a player option on his deal for next season, so he is going to be a flight risk for Philly if ever they trade for him.
At the moment, the Bucks have no first-round picks in their possession until 2028. The above trade proposal suggests that Milwaukee keep that pick, but they will need to send over the succeeding season’s first-rounder to Philly as part of the package.
That’s quite a haul, to say the least.
Would The Addition Of James Harden Be A Good Thing For The Bucks?
If the Bucks are serious about bringing Harden into the mix, then they can expect a significant improvement in their half-court offense. This was an area they struggled in last season, with the injuries to Khris Middleton proving to have a major impact in this area. Harden and his elite combination of scoring and playmaking could be the solution to this problem. It also goes without saying that a James Harden-Giannis Antetokounmpo combination is a scary prospect.
Does a potential trade for Harden do more harm than good for the Bucks, though? Losing Jrue Holiday would be an undeniably tough blow for Milwaukee. What the five-time All Defensive guard brings to the table on defense is, simply put, something the Bucks cannot replace — especially not with James Harden.
Let’s not forget that Harden is on an expiring deal as well, and he could very well decide to walk away from Milwaukee next summer if things don’t work out. It won’t be the first time.
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