Why The Trade Benefits The Raptors

The Raptors could acquire the best isolation scorer in the league. James Harden would give them a player at the end of the game who wants the ball in his hands and is not afraid to take the big shot from anywhere on the floor.

Also, they would not have to give up Fred VanVleet or Pascal Siakam in the deal.

The Raptors signed VanVleet to a lucrative contract in free agency this offseason. He was their main priority coming in and they were able to get a deal done to keep him on the team long-term. VanVleet would be able to move over to point guard while Harden manned the two guard position.

This creates a dynamic duo in the back-court for Toronto. Siakam would give the team a legitimate “Big Three” assuming he keeps developing the way he has thus far.

Toronto is interested in winning championships. They were able to get their first in franchise history two years ago and will look to stay near the top of the conference in hopes of another. This is a trade that would go along way towards accomplishing that goal.