Toronto Raptors: Breaking down hypothetical James Harden trade package

The Toronto Raptors are off to an ugly 1-5 start this season, and they should genuinely consider making a trade for James Harden.

Things are not looking good for the Toronto Raptors in the early going. Toronto is currently 14th in the Eastern Conference with a measly 1-5 record on the season, and they have provided little reason to be optimistic moving forward.

Because of their early-season woes, many have pegged the Raptors as the team that needs to make a move for James Harden the most. Of course, Harden requested a trade from the Houston Rockets this past offseason, and the organization has been fielding offers with little urgency to move him despite his demands. One reason is that teams have been unable to meet Houston’s stiff demands, but Toronto should make their pitch.

Toronto is surely a compelling destination for Harden, and in fact, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst ($$) reported that the Raptors have made a “courtesy call” on the former league MVP about his availability. That proclamation will continue to fuel speculation, particularly if the Raptors continue to struggle as mightily as they have deeper into the season. If the Toronto Raptors continue to trend downward in the standings and want to revamp the roster, here is a potential James Harden trade package.

The hypothetical James Harden trade package

This trade grants James Harden his wish to be traded by sending him to an Eastern Conference contender that unquestionably needs a spark right now. Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets get a plethora of assets that benefit both the long and short term future. With that out of the way, let us look at why each team might consider it.