NBA Trade Rumors: 3 Non-LA teams that make sense for James Harden

Toronto Raptors

Theoretically, if James Harden was on the open market, the Toronto Raptors would be a natural potential suitor. And they make even more sense as a potential landing spot for Harden after Fred VanVleet elected to leave in free agency. With all due respect to Dennis Schroder and Malachi Flynn, the Raptors have a huge gap at the point guard position heading into the season and Harden would be an intriguing fit next to Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, and Scottie Barnes.

If Toronto wanted to give it one more shot with Siakam before he hits free agency and before the team completely pivots toward the youth movement, Harden, on his expiring contract, would make at least some sense. The Raptors are talented enough of a team that the mere addition of Harden could make them a contender in the Eastern Conference.

The Raptors could match the salary and offer a future first-round pick to Philadelphia for Harden. Whether or not that would be enough to get the Sixers to agree to a deal remains to be seen but that’s probably better than what the Clippers can – and have – offered the Sixers at this point.