Milwaukee Bucks: Breaking down hypothetical James Harden trade
By Dalton Sell
Why the Houston Rockets do it
James Harden simply does not want to play another game for the Rockets. The guard is so persistent on getting traded, in fact, that he reportedly declined a two-year extension worth an unbelievable $103 million.
P.J. Tucker finds himself included in this trade because, much like James Harden, he is also on the record showing displeasure with the Rockets organization. Scheduled to make just under $8 million on the final year of his deal next season, Tucker has reportedly been “irate” with his current contract situation, per The Athletic’s Shams Charania and Kelly Iko.
Adding fuel to the fire, Tucker was asked about any contract extension contracts with the Rockets during his recent media availability, to which he promptly responded, “next question.” His name has come up in numerous trade rumors and he could also potentially be on the move if his dissatisfaction continues.
If the Houston Rockets were to agree to this trade, it is because they remain confident in their ability to contend with the pieces they will receive in return. With the additions of John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, and Christian Wood this offseason, the team does not plan on entering a rebuild anytime soon and wants to compete now. A haul of Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, and Donte DiVincenzo undoubtedly fits the bill in that aspect.
Middleton is coming off a career year in which he earned All-Star honors for the second consecutive season, having just missed out on the 50/40/90 club. Lopez is a solid big man and intimidating presence on the defensive end, and DiVincenzo is a solid young wing. Although none are nearly equivalent to James Harden, those are three pieces that have contributed to the best regular season team in the past two seasons and could help the Houston Rockets bolster their new-look roster.
The draft return is certainly not as appealing as Houston would like, as Milwaukee coughed up three first round picks and the right to two future pick swaps in the Jrue Holiday trade last month, which could be problematic. The Bucks might not have the best package to offer for James Harden, but it is one that Houston could consider with the clock ticking.