In what has been a highly exciting summer, so much has already happened in the NBA. This includes the possibility that the Milwaukee Bucks will win the offseason thanks to their massive blockbuster Damian Lillard contract.
But despite everything, James Harden is still a part of the Philadelphia 76ers.
The former NBA MVP hasn’t been traded by the Sixers for a variety of reasons. Even if Harden has made it very apparent that he has no intention of playing another minute for his soon-to-be former team, this is still the case.
One probable destination for Harden, according to Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report, is one of Milwaukee’s Central Division rivals, the Chicago Bulls.
The Bulls are currently essentially in a state of limbo. Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vucevic, who make up their core group, have fallen short of the high expectations. Bailey advises that they replace LaVine with Harden as time is running out for this group:
If Chicago is searching for a path out of its core, building the deal around LaVine would make sense. In a trio alongside Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid, he could be able to keep Philadelphia in contention for the championship, Bailey argued.
This may succeed. Despite all of his baggage, Harden is still a highly effective attacking weapon. He has the potential to drastically improve Chicago’s offense, giving them a real chance to pose a major challenge in the East.
Zach LaVine, on the other hand, is a true superstar acquired by the Sixers. He’s very different from Harden as a player, which at this time could be just what Philly needs.
Significant Risk for Bulls
It goes without saying, however, that this will be a massive risk for the Bulls. The fact that Harden is going to be a flight risk for them means that Chicago will be going all-in on the upcoming season if they pull the trigger on this trade:
“And for the Bulls, Harden’s contract ends next summer, while LaVine’s is through 2026-27 (assuming he picks up his player option). If a roster led by Harden, DeRozan and Vučević works, great. If not, Chicago can let him and DeRozan walk in free agency and see what it can get for Vučević on the trade market,” Bailey wrote.
Given what the Bucks have done in the offseason, the Bulls will have no other choice but to risk it all if they want to challenge Milwaukee (and the Boston Celtics, among others) in the East. It’s a high price to pay, no doubt, but it’s the type of incredibly bold move that could yield the ultimate reward.
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