James Harden is the hot topic of the NBA. He wants out of Houston. Harden is unhappy for reasons that aren’t really known. He doesn’t feel like they have a championship roster and is trying to push his way out of Houston. The player empowerment era may have peaked with Harden as many are criticizing him for his actions. Originally, Harden said he only wanted to go to Brooklyn, but now, he added other teams all in the Eastern Conference. The latest are the Milwaukee Bucks and the Miami Heat along with the Philadelphia Sixers. Yes, your Milwaukee Bucks are on the list. I outlined on yesterday’s podcast why this might be difficult.

Bucks do not have any draft assets. None. They’re completely gone. It’s fair to wonder if Jon Horst wasn’t thirsty like some simp on OnlyFans with his draft picks if Milwaukee would be in better position for Harden. But when I listened to Bill Simmons outline the history of players trying to force their way out, the deals aren’t great. They’re rarely excessive. The only one where multiple draft picks and players got involved was the Carmelo deal to New York. Therefore, I’m more inclined to think this could happen if the Bucks want to do it.

Milwaukee’s package is the best one that isn’t Philadelphia. Ben Simmons has a much higher ceiling than Khris Middleton. But Middleton is an All-Star which neither of the Brooklyn options are, and Miami would likely trade the potential of players like Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson plus bring another team in. Miami cannot do this deal with the assets they have unless they would want to trade Jimmy Butler which I doubt they do. The deal for Milwaukee is simple. Middleton, Donte DiVencenzo, and a draft pick (Sam Merrill or Jordan Nwora) for Harden.

It’s incredible that someone would actually want to come to Milwaukee in the dead of winter. It’s not like Milwaukee is the ice age but it’s not nice here. Maybe without the allure of strip clubs and night clubs, Milwaukee provides an optimal spot to ball out for Harden. I covered that here on Instagram and Twitter.

I would love to hear what Giannis is telling management right now.

Charlie.