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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 20: James Harden #1 of the LA Clippers controls the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half at Intuit Dome on December 20, 2025 in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The Milwaukee Bucks are desperate to make the playoffs this year. With Giannis Antetokounmpo trying to figure out his future, the Bucks are trying everything they can to keep him. He has made it very clear that he wants to compete for championships.
This season has not gone as planned. Right now, the Bucks sit 11th in the Eastern Conference standings. They also have the ninth-worst offense in the NBA. Missing the playoffs would be a disaster for Milwaukee, so they are going to do everything they can to try to make it.
In order to do that, they will likely have to make a trade to improve the offense so they have a shot at making it. Bleacher Report has listed the Bucks as a realistic trade destination for Clippers guard James Harden.
GettyLos Angeles Clippers guard James Harden drives the ball. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Milwaukee Bucks Listed as Possible Trade Destination for James Harden
Los Angeles would only trade Harden if they fell apart as they did early in the year. They have won seven of their last eight games, so they are trying to make a playoff push of their own. Also, the Clippers have no incentive to tank since they owe their first-round pick to the Thunder.
Harden would give the Bucks the ball-handler that they need to organize the offense. Other than Antetokounmpo, they don’t have a great creator on the roster. Kevin Porter Jr. is more of a scorer than he is a playmaker. Milwaukee needs to have someone who can distribute the ball to the open shooters on the court.
Not only can Harden do that, but he can still score the ball at this point in his career. He’s averaging the most points he has in a season since he won the scoring title in 2019-20 with the Houston Rockets. He would fit right in with Milwaukee and wouldn’t be overtaxed on defense.
GettyMilwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo runs down the court. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
The Bucks Will Likely Make a Trade at the Deadline
Even if the Bucks don’t end up making a trade for a superstar player, they will likely be active at the trade deadline. It’s unlikely that they will deal Antetokounmpo to another team at the deadline. He seems not likely to force his way out until the summer, if he does so at all.
That means that Milwaukee has one chance to make moves that he will be happy with to keep him in town. Right now, the Bucks have the 18th-best defense in the league, so any trade that they make will need to ensure their defense doesn’t crater any further.
Milwaukee is likely going to be one of the most active teams at the trade deadline this year. Expect them to bring in at least one player, if not multiple players, to try and dig themselves out of the hole they find themselves in.
Keeping Antetokounmpo healthy is still the most important aspect of Milwaukee’s season as the season goes along.