Philadelphia 76ers Receive: F Khris Middleton, G Grayson Allen

Milwaukee Bucks Receive: G James Harden

The Milwaukee Bucks got a taste of life without Khris Middleton in this year’s playoffs. It wasn’t appealing, as the Boston Celtics sent them packing in a Game 7 blowout in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

We’ve got a feeling Middleton’s absence would be a little more palatable for the Bucks with James Harden in his place.

This deal pairs two of the league’s brightest stars in Harden and Giannis Antetokounmpo on the Bucks. Granted, the two don’t seem like the best of friends. They’ve been trading barbs in the media for the better part of two years now.

We’re sure they could bury the hatchet. They instantly become arguably the most talented duo in the entire National Basketball Association. Trying to guard them in the pick-and-roll together should be entirely impossible. This deal is unlikely, but as far as fantasies go, it’s an absolute nightmare for anyone who isn’t a Milwaukee Bucks fan.

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Or, perhaps, a Sixers fan. Again, trading Harden is only wise if Maxey takes a step forward. It’s a gamble. If it pays off, Middleton provides a more complementary third start alongside him and Embiid as a floor-spacer who doubles as a shot creator.

Harden is a masterful basketball player, but he is ball-dominant: floor balance is once again the key here.