The Houston Rockets have looked pretty solid to start the 2020-21 campaign. Even amid all the pre-season scandals, and missing some time due to COVID-19 protocols, the Beard is playing like nothing is wrong, averaging 37 points, 11 assists, and 5.3 rebounds per game on 52.5% shooting.
Still, there has been no word that Harden has reneged on his request for a trade from Houston, and the possibility remains that he might be traded before the deadline.
The Raptors, who have struggled mightily through the first few games, are apparently front-runners for the superstar guard — but the price to get him is still extremely high, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.
“I’m sure it would have to be Siakam. I’m not sure, let me step back, but I would guess that the Rockets would want Malachi Flynn and then you’re looking at multiple first-round draft picks into the future. Probably lightly protected or unprotected. Siakam is a guy that still has a lot of value because he can play multiple positions, he defends, he plays both ends of the court, when he’s right — he’s not really right right now — and he’s signed to a long-term contract. You wouldn’t be trading for a guy you’d have to worry about. But still, I think Houston would want him and a bunch of other stuff and that’s where you get into difficulty.”
.@WindhorstESPN on the #Raptors' interest in James Harden.#WeTheNorth
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It’s no secret that Siakam has been struggling out of the gate. With poor efficiency and his averages down all across the board, now might not be the best time to dangle him in a trade.
But if he can rebound and show his worth as a two-way star, it could go a long way towards increasing his value. Including him, Anunoby, and a haul of picks in a deal might just be enough to warrant consideration from the Rockets.
Ultimately, all we can do is wait and see for ourselves how it all plays out.
