The Milwaukee Bucks find themselves in the mix of preferred trade destinations for James Harden, but the asking price could be far too steep.
The James Harden trade rumors have been a hot topic of discussion for the Milwaukee Bucks since they came to light last week.
Harden, who requested a trade from the Houston Rockets earlier this offseason, recently listed the Bucks as a preferred landing spot if he gets dealt. Whether fans are for or against making a move for the former league MVP, Houston’s reported asking price for Harden might silence any speculation entirely.
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Per Yaron Weitzman, formerly of Bleacher Report, the Houston Rockets and Philadelphia 76ers have been in contact about a potential deal, but the asking price is steep.
As Weitzman reported, Houston wants a return centered around two-time All-Star Ben Simmons, and three future first round picks in any deal involving James Harden.
Philadelphia has appeared to be the frontrunner for Harden since the news broke that Harden wanted out, but that reported demand from Houston is a hefty price to pay. This reporting corresponds with a similar notion from ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, who also reported last month that a deal would not come cheap for any potential suitors:
"“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.”"
Given Harden’s stature among the upper echelon of elite players in the league for years now, it is not surprising to see Houston’s demands. However, it does put a massive dent in Milwaukee’s chances of swinging a trade for the 31-year-old.
Does the Houston Rockets’ substantial asking price for James Harden take the Milwaukee Bucks out of the running for the guard?
While nothing is set in stone just yet, piecing together any deal that would send Harden to the Bucks is surely going to be a tall task for general manager Jon Horst to pull off.
Milwaukee’s asset collection is depleted following the blockbuster Jrue Holiday trade this offseason, in which they traded Eric Bledsoe, George Hill, three first round draft picks, and the right to two future pick swaps. That leaves the Bucks with their hands tied in trying to make an offer that can go toe-to-toe with what Philadelphia could.
Financially, the Bucks could propose a package involving Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, and Donte DiVincenzo in exchange for James Harden and Donte DiVincenzo. Whether three of Milwaukee’s starters is an enticing offering for Houston or not, the lack of draft capital that they could include would likely be the deal-breaker.
Where Harden is going to play next season is anyone’s guess right now, but the odds of it being Milwaukee remain slim.
There is yet to be any reported interest in the guard from the Bucks’ end, but pairing Harden alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo to form a duo consisting of the last three league MVP winners has to be worth entertaining.