Toronto Raptors: Breaking down hypothetical James Harden trade package
By Dalton Sell
Why the Toronto Raptors do it
There is a long list of reasons why the Toronto Raptors should pursue a trade for James Harden. First and foremost, they are simply not playing good basketball this season, and their abysmal record shows it.
One reason to blame for that is their struggling offense. With an offensive rating of 103.1, the Raptors are ranked 28th in the league in that category. Adding James Harden, one of the most prolific offensive minds in NBA history, could undoubtedly help rejuvenate their subpar play on that side of the ball. If further proof is needed, the guard is off to a red-hot start to the season, averaging 33 points on .474/.409/.870 shooting splits, 4.8 rebounds, and 10.8 assists per game throughout his first four contests of the season.
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The Toronto Raptors are also no stranger to trading for disgruntled superstars in recent memory. Two offseasons ago, the Raptors pulled off a trade for Kawhi Leonard, who was in a similar situation trying to force a trade from the San Antonio Spurs. Toronto obliged, and it worked out well as they hoisted the Larry O’Brien Trophy at the end of the season, having secured their first title in franchise history. It was a gamble for the Raptors, as Leonard entered that season set to become an unrestricted free agent, and indeed, he bolted in free agency.
With James Harden, however, the Raptors would get some security in the short-term. Harden is under contract for this season and the following, while also holding a player option for the 2022-23 season. That could make a trade for the former league MVP more intriguing than it might have already been, and Toronto should be on the phone as we speak.