Milwaukee Bucks: Breaking down hypothetical James Harden trade

James Harden reportedly has the Milwaukee Bucks on his list of preferred trade destinations, but what could a potential package look like?

It has been a turbulent offseason full of twists and turns for the Milwaukee Bucks, and these latest developments might be the most intriguing of them all.

Of course, that news revolves around James Harden, who has reportedly added the Milwaukee Bucks to his list of preferred trade destinations, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania. After spending the last eight seasons with the Houston Rockets, Harden has been committed to finding his way to another contender, and it is compelling to see Milwaukee on his list.

More from Bucks News

• Bucks 2023-24 player profile: Can MarJon Beauchamp take a leap?
• Piecing together the Milwaukee Bucks’ dream starting 5 in 5 years
• Predicting Thanasis Antetokounmpo’s 2023-24 stats for the Bucks
• Grade the trade: Bucks land reputable backup guard in swap with Pacers
• New workout video should have Milwaukee Bucks fans excited

Trying to piece together an adequate trade for the 2017-18 league MVP certainly poses its fair share of difficulties for the Bucks, especially after they gave up the lion’s share of their assets to acquire Jrue Holiday last month.

Still, a deal is not impossible to pull off, although it will not come cheap, as the Rockets asking price for the eight-time All-Star is steep, per ESPN’s Tim MacMahon:

"“The Rockets are demanding an especially steep return for Harden, a perennial MVP candidate who has led the NBA in scoring the past three seasons: a proven, young star as a centerpiece along with a massive picks package, according to sources.”"

If the Bucks are interested in swinging a trade for James Harden, here is what a potential trade could look like.

The hypothetical trade centered around James Harden and Khris Middleton

In this hypothetical deal, the Milwaukee Bucks ship out three starters, the rights to swap first round picks in two drafts, and two second rounders.  Due to the Stepien rule, which prevents teams from going without first round picks in two consecutive future drafts, the Bucks are placed in a tough position when it comes to dealing draft capital.

With that out of the way, let us take a look at why each team might consider making such a trade with the 2020-21 season inching closer.