Before the Milwaukee Bucks pulled the trigger on the Damian Lillard blockbuster trade, this team was linked to a handful of superstars in the offseason. This was after Giannis Antetokounmpo declared his intention to jump ship unless the team added a second superstar to the roster.
Antetokounmpo did not come out with that exact statement in his demand, but there’s no denying that his message was heard loud and clear.
James Harden to Milwaukee Bucks?
One of the big names that was linked to Milwaukee was disgruntled Philadelphia 76ers superstar James Harden. Earlier whispers suggested that the Bucks send Jrue Holiday to the Sixers in exchange for Harden, which quite honestly, sounded a bit far-fetched at that point in time. As it turns out, that rumor actually had legs — at least on the Holiday front.
Obviously, though, Milwaukee opted to go in another direction. Most will argue that they got a much better deal with Lillard. Unfortunately for him, Harden is currently still trying to find the exit door in Philadelphia.
Los Angeles Lakers Urged to Trade for Harden
Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report recently conjured up a list of teams that could emerge as potential landing spots for Harden as he continues to force his way out of Philly. One of the surprise teams on his list is the Los Angeles Lakers.
According to Bailey, LA’s top priority still remains to be LeBron James’ former partner-in-crime, Kyrie Irving. However, with the Dallas Mavericks seemingly uninterested in a trade package centered around D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, and perhaps one or two draft assets, the Lakers’ front office could turn to Harden as sort of a Plan B:
“In that case, and assuming the Lakers hit a point where they actually feel they need a jolt, perhaps that same package would interest the 76ers.
Russell and Hachimura can’t be moved until December 15, and if Harden is still in Philadelphia then, the Sixers might start to feel a hint of desperation,” Bailey suggested.
It goes without saying that as good as he is, Harden still brings his fair share of baggage. Bailey recognizes this point, but he believes that if there’s anyone out there who can steer the ship in the right direction, so to speak, it would be LeBron:
“And while lineups with Harden, Austin Reaves and LeBron could be highly susceptible to the ‘too many cooks’ issue, maybe James is the kind of alpha personality Harden has always needed to survive a deep playoff run,” Bailey wrote.
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