Breaking: James Harden Has Added The Milwaukee Bucks And Miami Heat To His Short List Of Teams He Is Interested In Via Trade. How Would This Impact The Eastern Conference?

Since the off-season began, the Houston Rockets have suffered a fair share of drama. From the shocking Russel Westbrook trade that sent him to Washington to Mike D'Antoni and Daryl Morrey stepping down in their respective roles, Houston is just beginning what may appear as a complete rebuild. With James Harden feeling unsatisfied with Houston's direction, the Western Conference could be shaken up in ways that would make both conferences somewhat even. According to various sources from NBC to Fansided, James Harden has officially added Miami and Milwaukee as teams that he would be interested in being traded to if Brooklyn or Philadelphia fail to come to an agreement. While Harden has stated that he will keep his professionalism during this period, what can we conduct about Harden's short-list of teams he deems to play for?

The first observation that can be conducted about Harden's additions to his short-list of teams is that he is determined to play in the Eastern Conference. With the East being far weaker than the West, it makes sense why any superstar would want to play in a Conference where only nine to ten teams are considered playoff contenders. In contrast, the Western Conference has at least 13 teams that have a significant case in deserving a place in the playoff seeding. Why is this relevant? For years Harden has been considered a player who cannot show up in the playoffs as he was always dedicated to playing isolation basketball and not team basketball. Houston has been a successful and competitive team since Harden has joined; however, having not one finals appearance and constant underachieving runs in the playoffs should scream that maybe it is time for a change. A new environment and coaching staff could grant Harden new opportunities and confidence to actually be resourceful in a playoff situation. However, how would he fit on Milwaukee and Miami, and what would both organizations have to trade to entice Houston in pursuing a trade?

Miami Forms A New Big Three

After an incredible finals run that shocked the basketball world, Miami lost in six games against the Los Angeles Lakers in a series where it ended a resurrection story. From NBA fans and analysts realizing that Jimmy Butler was wrongly accused of being a bad teammate to Miami returning back to its glory, a trade for James Harden could form potentially the most dangerous superteam in the Eastern Conference. 

The idea of Jimmy Butler, James Harden and Bam Adebayo on the same team could be unstoppable in the Eastern Conference, especially when factoring in how well they managed to defend Milwaukee in the playoffs. If this trade were to happen, the only threat that Miami would have in the East is the Brooklyn Nets, as no one has faced this team when healthy. The Miami Heat would most likely become the best team in the Eastern Conference if a trade were to happen, but Miami would have to give up a pricey package to attain the former MVP. The trade would consist of Tyler Herro, Andre Iguodala, Kelly Olynyk, Kendrick Nunn, Precious Achiuwa and an unprotected 2024 first-round pick in exchange for Harden. With this package being overwhelming, the Miami Heat would manage to form a big three while still having some of their depth, such as Goran Dragic and Duncan Robinson. The Houston Rockets would receive a young package to build towards the future while also possessing some win-now type players. This trade for both teams makes sense, and while Miami could be in title contention, the Houston Rockets would have a great start in forming an incredibly young roster with strong mentorship from players such as John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins. 

A Superteam For A Superteam? 

While Miami was successful in the playoffs this season, Milwaukee faced a different conclusion and was eliminated in the second round of the playoffs. Even though Milwaukee had the best record in the entire NBA, the bubble gave them complications and, as a result, played mediocre compared to their regular-season production. This season, Giannis Antetokounmpo will become an unrestricted free-agent that could either leave to form a new dynasty elsewhere or sign the largest NBA contract in league history! Milwaukee's future depends on what happens this season in the playoffs, making this organization arguably the most stressed in the entire league. Even though attaining Jrue Holiday was a significant upgrade to the rotation, it still might not be enough when competing against Brooklyn or Miami. 

Trading for James Harden would be an interesting scenario for Milwaukee as both Giannis and Harden have a history of having small altercations of cheap shots and disrespect to one another. From Giannis accusing Harden that he never passes to Harden describing Giannis as someone who lacks any true basketball skill, the two MVP's would have to find a way to respect one another while also allowing each other a fair share of touches on the offensive end. Both these superstars are ball-dominant players. With a lack of any real playmaker on Milwaukee, this team could actually get worse and leave Milwaukee with two unhappy superstars that would want nothing to do with each other. For these reasons, a trade to Milwaukee is a bad destination for Harden as the chemistry would fold instead of blossom. However, if a trade were to be presented, the Milwaukee Bucks would have to trade Jrue Holiday, Khris Middleton, Donte DiVincenzo, two unprotected second-round picks, and a 2023 lottery-protected first-round pick for James Harden, Eric Gordon, and Ben McLemore. While the Milwaukee Bucks do attain a second superstar, the Houston Rockets would form one of the NBA's deepest rosters. With a potential starting five of John Wall, Jrue Holiday, Khris Middleton, Christian Wood and DeMarcus Cousins, the Houston Rockets would have the potential to make it to the Conference Finals if everyone remains healthy. A trade like this would make Milwaukee worse while furthering Giannis' decision to leave the organization. In other words, if this trade were to happen, then the Bucks would have already accepted the fact that Giannis would leave in free agency, granting Milwaukee the home of James Harden!