Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Much of the NBA offseason for the Milwaukee Bucks was fielding questions centered around star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo and his future with the team. After another early playoff exit, trade speculation came about around Antetokounmpo, and many in the NBA believed that he would ask out of the organization.
While this didn’t happen, the Bucks’ future still isn’t the best in terms of Antetokounmpo competing for titles. And to make matters worse, the team has struggled to open this current season, making the idea of a trade grow even louder.
Even the addition of center Myles Turner hasn’t been enough to keep this Bucks team above water this season. Milwaukee is in a lot of trouble, and all the rumors around Antetokounmpo have started up once again.
Nobody knows what will take place between the Bucks and Antetokounmpo, but the star still wants to win at the highest level. And it may not be possible by staying in Milwaukee, so either he will need to be traded, or the Bucks will need to pull a rabbit out of a hat to improve the roster.
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With the Bucks in a weird state right now, it could force the front office to make some drastic moves. The ultimate goal is to keep Antetokounmpo in town for the long haul. Milwaukee may try to completely shake up the roster.
Adding a second star around Antetokounmpo could be the way to go, and the Bucks may elect this route. One name that could make some sense is veteran guard James Harden, who is currently with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Los Angeles is off to a horrendous start this season, and it could see them look to move off some players. Harden is one of the better trade chips that the Clippers have, and the team could land some future assets for him.
The Bucks don’t have a ton to offer, but if the team were serious about adding someone like Harden, the front office could get creative. Due to Harden’s age and volatility throughout his career, this could see him being moved for a lower trade package anyway.
Milwaukee does have a very valuable 2031 first-round draft pick that could entice the Clippers, and the deal could be centered around this asset. Guys like Kyle Kuzma and others could be put into the mix to make the salaries work out, giving each side some value.
Los Angeles could net some assets to build around, or they could always flip these guys in another deal down the line. With how limited and bleak the Clippers’ future looks right now, moving away from Harden could be the move for the franchise.
But putting Harden next to Antetokounmpo and Turner could offer the Bucks a legitimate rotation for the season. This would push them forward, and the three stars could give Milwaukee a legitimate chance to win.
This could be well worth it for the Bucks to do, especially if it keeps Antetokounmpo around for the future. This would show him that once again, the Bucks will do what it takes to win with him on the roster.