- This trade sends James Harden to the Milwaukee Bucks
- James Harden has previously thrown shade at Giannis Antetokounmpo in the media
- The Philadelphia 76ers would get good value for their star
There has been a lot of trade speculation surrounding Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden getting traded before the end of the season. At this point, it is clear that Harden wants nothing to do with the 76ers, and desires a move by whatever means necessary.
With that being said, James Harden opting into his $35.6 million player option doesn’t mean that the Philadelphia 76ers have to trade him where he wants to go. For example, this trade scenario sends Harden to the Milwaukee Bucks, which is definitely not his preferred destination.
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: James Harden, P. J. Tucker
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Jrue Holiday, Bobby Portis, 2029 First-Round Pick
From a basketball perspective, this trade could end up working out for both teams. In this article, we will dive into why this move makes sense, and why James Harden might not like the idea.
The Milwaukee Bucks Are A Good Basketball Fit For James Harden, But He And Giannis Antetokounmpo Have Previous Beef
There is no doubt that the Milwaukee Bucks could be a solid destination for James Harden from a basketball perspective. They defend well, have a two-way superstar in Giannis Antetokounmpo, and are built to win a championship from top to bottom. They also need additional creativity on the offensive end and a point guard that can get Giannis Antetokounmpo some easier buckets. It makes sense for the team to try and go after James Harden, even if he is on a one-year deal.
With that being said, James Harden might not like it on the Milwaukee Bucks. He and Giannis Antetokounmpo were rivals for the 2018-19 MVP award, and during that time, Harden threw some shade at Antetokounmpo, suggesting that the superstar’s game is predicated on him running and dunking and involved “no skill”.
“I wish I could just be 7-feet and just run and dunk…That takes no skill at all.”
Throwback to Harden throwing shade at Giannis. 💀💀 pic.twitter.com/WqObSldSkC
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 13, 2020
There is no doubt that the pre-existing animosity toward Giannis Antetokounmpo could mean that James Harden would be miserable playing for the Milwaukee Bucks. Still, James Harden is a competitor, and he likely realizes that playing with Antetokounmpo could bring him a championship. On the Milwaukee Bucks, Harden would face less pressure to score due to them already having Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Brook Lopez. He could focus more on facilitating and would slot in as a solid No. 3 option on the team.
In this deal, the Milwaukee Bucks would also get PJ Tucker, who was a key part of their 2021 championship team. Their squad has not been the same since they let him go, and it is clear what Tucker brings to the table doesn’t show up in the box score.
For the Milwaukee Bucks, this would be a trade that is designed to increase their offensive firepower. James Harden is definitely an upgrade on Jrue Holiday on that end of the floor, as a former MVP point guard. They would also get a solid role player in PJ Tucker, and this move could definitely bring them back to championship ways.
The Philadelphia 76ers Would Love To Get An All-Star In Return For James Harden
One of the things that the Philadelphia 76ers would want in a James Harden package is players that can contribute immediately and help them win during the Joel Embiid era. They would get All-Star Jrue Holiday and big man Bobby Portis in this scenario, both of whom fit that description.
Jrue Holiday had a solid 2022-23 season, averaging 19.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 7.4 assists for the Milwaukee Bucks. He is an elite two-way player, and many players consider him the best perimeter defender in the league. He would be a good fit in the backcourt with young star Tyrese Maxey, and he is the sort of player that can excel no matter the system that he is put in. Nick Nurse notably values defense and it is likely that Jrue Holiday will become one of his favorites on the roster very quickly.
Bobby Portis is a solid role player who averaged 14.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists for the Milwaukee Bucks while shooting 37.0% from 3PT range this season. He could eventually become the long-term starter at the PF position, sliding Tobias Harris down to the SF position. Portis provides size, rebounding, and shooting, and a frontcourt of him and Joel Embiid would definitely give the 76ers an edge on the court.
On top of the player component, the Philadelphia 76ers would also receive a valuable first-round pick. That will be useful for them, as they have spent numerous first-round picks on win-now trades, and refilling draft assets is important in making future trades.
Overall, the Philadelphia 76ers would love this trade simply because it is good value for a star on an expiring contract. PJ Tucker is 38 years old, and he will likely start declining sooner rather than later. A deal that gets them a solid return and keeps them competitive is a dream come true for the 76ers, and they would take this offer in a heartbeat if it was on the table from the Milwaukee Bucks.
This Would Be A Deal That The 76ers Would Take Immediately
If this deal was offered today by the Milwaukee Bucks, then James Harden would already be gone from the Philadelphia 76ers. Getting Jrue Holiday and Bobby Portis for James Harden will make sure the 76ers are still an elite team in the Joel Embiid era, and will definitely make them better overall on the defensive end of the floor. Though James Harden might feel a certain type of way about teaming up with a player that he once discredited in the media, there’s no doubt that he is a competitor who recognizes that Giannis Antetokounmpo is his ticket to a potential championship.
It remains to be seen if the two teams would be willing to make this trade. Contenders in the same conference don’t frequently make trades to benefit each other, but stranger things have happened in the NBA.
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