Recently, the NBA’s trade market has undergone some significant changes. It all started with the Damian Lillard trade. Now that he’s a member of the Milwaukee Bucks, the most significant trade chip in the league is off the table. Moreover, that’s not the only fallout from that momentous deal.
For a brief moment, Jrue Holiday hit the trade market. That didn’t last long. The Blazers acquired him, and then quickly flipped him to the Boston Celtics. That’s two major star guards left on the market. Are there any more to be moved?
Sure. James Harden of the Philadelphia 76ers has requested a trade. Yet, the market may have dried up for him. Harden will hit free agency next summer, so he’s a flight risk. Could the Toronto Raptors take a chance on him anyway?
The Trade Proposal
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G Dennis Schroder, F/C Chris Boucher, F/C Thaddeus Young, F Otto Porter Jr.,
Toronto Raptors Receive: G James Harden
This situation is messy. It’s got the potential to get messier. Recently, Harden referred to Sixers general manager Daryl Morey as a “liar” in the media. The Sixers have got to trade Harden. At the same time, it’s to be determined whether they can find the right deal. Moreover, we know Morey is stubborn: he may not make the wrong deal.
It’s an interesting situation. Nobody can deny Harden’s talent. He’s so good that one might assume that he’d have a robust market. That’s not how the NBA works. When a player is at such a large risk of leaving a team, general managers are apprehensive about trading for him. Harden’s trade value has taken a hit for reasons that have nothing to do with basketball.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Toronto Raptors Updates
Luckily, the situation can only drag on for so long. Again – Harden is a free agent next summer. With that said, it could extend up to this year’s trade deadline. For this deal to transpire, it would have to – Schroder can’t be traded for some time as a recent signee. Should the Raptors move him leading up to the deadline?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
For this deal to work for Toronto, a very specific set of conditions would have to be fulfilled. They’d have to be enjoying a better-than-expected season. Moreover, they’d have to be doing it without relying on any of these players. For example, suppose Porter makes a comeback as a key rotation member. In that event, the Raptors may be out on this deal.
Let’s say he doesn’t. Let’s say that the Raptors are playoff-bound in spite of a forgettable season from Schroder. In that event, they could be looking to make an upgrade at the point guard spot. For all of his flaws, Harden would be a tremendous upgrade. This is one of the best playmakers in the NBA.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Toronto Raptors Updates
Could the Raptors make a deep playoff run? It’s possible. Of course, if they don’t, Harden might walk next summer. That’s not the end of the world. The Raptors are surrendering a bunch of rotation players who aren’t likely part of their long-term plans. Should the Sixers accept this type of package for James Harden?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
They may not have a choice. The Harden market feels like it’s drying up. The only team with an apparent interest in the star point guard is the Clippers. It’s been suggested that they’re apprehensive about including Terrance Mann in a package for him. If that’s true, we can conclude that the Clippers won’t be sending the Sixers a much better offer than the one we’ve constructed here.
So, this is better than nothing. That might be all that the Sixers can hope for. Realistically, this team needs to lean on Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Tobias Harris to be successful next season. That’s still a hyper-talented trio. With a coaching change, the Sixers could stay in the title picture – even without Harden.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Toronto Raptors Updates
So, this deal would help. It’s got the Sixers adding some depth. Each of the veterans they’re receiving in this deal could be helpful next season. Given how the Harden market is looking, that might be the most they can ask for.
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