Toronto Raptors: Breaking down hypothetical James Harden trade package

Why the Houston Rockets do it

The Houston Rockets are not eager to move on from James Harden, and Pascal Siakam’s struggles early on might not help the Toronto Raptors’ bid. After a career-year last season, Siakam has regressed substantially, averaging 17.6 points on a .407/.300/.867 slash line, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists throughout the first five games of the season.

With Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol having taken their talents elsewhere this offseason, Siakam has seen an expanded role in the frontcourt, along with being the centerpiece of the franchise. Unfortunately, it has not gone well for him to this point. Siakam has already proved that he can be a complementary piece on a championship-winning team, which is why the Houston Rockets might be more open to taking him in.

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Even with Harden off the roster, the Rockets still have several pieces that can make them competitive in the Western Conference. John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins look good coming off various injuries, Christian Wood appears to be the way-too-early favorite for Most Improved Player, and they have several well-rounded role players. Are the Rockets anyone’s pick to come out of the Western Conference? No, but they are surely a playoff team and depending on what they get in return for James Harden in a deal, they could be a scary one.

Although he is currently struggling, Siakam is just one year removed from an All-Star and All-NBA worthy season. It is far too early to say that Siakam needs a change of scenery, but sometimes, that is the best thing for a player to regain their footing. The Rockets would be banking on a resurgence from Pascal Siakam, which might not be too far-fetched for a player of his caliber.

Along with the 26-year-old All-Star, the Rockets get Norman Powell, a role player who also has championship experience and can help this team win. While these two might not solely be of interest to the Rockets, three future first-round picks might help sweeten the deal.

This package would provide the Houston Rockets with pieces that can help them compete this season while setting them up nicely for the future with a collage of draft picks over the next several years. There are a handful of suitors looking to pry James Harden away from the Houston Rockets, and although a trade elsewhere seems inevitable, it remains to be seen how serious the Toronto Raptors are on making a move.