The NBA’s offseason is well underway. By now, you’ve surely got a prediction or two about how it will pan out. Put it aside. Consider throwing it out altogether. This is the NBA: it’s completely unpredictable.
For example, the whole world is expecting the Toronto Raptors to trade Pascal Siakam. Perhaps they will. This underperforming team has every incentive to retool.
Meanwhile, nobody knows what to predict for James Harden and the Philadelphia 76ers. Will he stay or will he go? We have absolutely no idea: But here’s a deal that sends him to the Toronto Raptors.
The Trade Proposal
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: F OG Anunoby, G/F Gary Trent Jr., F/C Chris Boucher
Toronto Raptors Receive: G James Harden
Of course, this wouldn’t be the first time the Raptors did something unpredictable. Nobody expected this team to trade for Kawhi Leonard. Sure, we all know that Leonard was leaving the Spurs. We just didn’t expect to see him heading north of the border.
That’s exactly where Leonard wound up. The Raptors have an NBA title to show for it. With that said, it’s been downhill ever since for the organization
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Toronto Raptors & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Now, they’re expected to trade Siakam. The Raptors cannot stagnate. Fred VanVleet just left them in free agency. This team needs to do something, in one direction or another. Is this the right direction?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
For some time, we thought Harden and Siakam might team up – on the Houston Rockets. After all, Harden was allegedly considering reuniting with Houston in free agency., The Rockets were allegedly considering trading the fourth pick in the draft for Siakam. Obviously, it didn’t go that way.
Still, you could see the appeal. Siakam is a dynamic two-way wing who can compliment Harden when he’s on the ball, and relieve him of his playmaking duties. Surrounding that dynamic duo with young talent would have put the Rockets in an interesting position.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Toronto Raptors & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Why shouldn’t the Raptors put themselves in that position? They’d still have Scottie Barnes to carry them in the future. Gradey Dick could be part of their young core too. On the other hand, pairing Siakam and Harden could keep them relevant in 2023-24. Does this deal keep the Sixers relevant?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
The Sixers do this deal because Harden has requested a trade. Otherwise, they likely wouldn’t even consider it. They still may not. Everyone knows that general manager Daryl Morey is more likely to chase a star. Could he reconsider his position for an offer like this one?
After all, the Sixers already have two stars. Joel Embiid is the league’s reigning MVP, and Tyrese Maxey appears poised to make his first All-Star appearance sooner than later.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Toronto Raptors & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Meanwhile, they’re somewhat lacking depth. This deal provides plenty of it. The Sixers would be teaming Embiid and Maxey up with one of the best 3-and-D wings in the NBA in Anunoby. Trent Jr. and Boucher are useful rotation players as well. You may not be predicting this one, but don’t be shocked to see it happen anyway.
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