- James Harden is beginning to cause a fuss because he wants to leave Philadelphia as soon as possible
- Joel Embiid might want a two-way star who can defend and also make outside shots
- The Toronto Raptors can take a risky move for the first time since 2019 when they won the championship
James Harden might be the hottest trade prospect in the NBA right now that Damian Lillard is off the market and a part of the Milwaukee Bucks. This trade shocked the world, and reigning MVP Joel Embiid might be wondering how the Philadelphia 76ers can compete with them and even the Boston Celtics who just added All-Star guard Jrue Holiday. Meanwhile, other teams are looking to bolster their rosters and make risky moves.
One of those teams has to be the Toronto Raptors, a team with two valuable stars Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes that can provide offense and defense consistently. After losing Fred VanVleet in free agency, Toronto might want a chance to nab an All-Star guard and hope that a repeat of 2019 can happen. For Philadelphia, they need to move James Harden as soon as possible to avoid chemistry issues but, at the same time, give Joel Embiid a talented starter.
A trade between the 76ers and Raptors could give each side what they want and a potential trade package could be available, involving three total players. With the season starting soon, it might be time for this trade to happen.
Trade Details
Toronto Raptors Receive: James Harden
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: OG Anunoby, Chris Boucher
This trade is clearly a blockbuster one that will give the Raptors enough juice to actually push for a top-three seed in the Eastern Conference and try to test their luck. Meanwhile, the 76ers finally move Harden and bring back a 26-year-old player who will one day be in the running for Defensive Player of the Year on the wing. Here is why this deal could work for both sides as we look to an exciting NBA season in 2023-24.
Toronto Raptors Make A Risky Move Like In 2019
The Toronto Raptors made a massive move when they acquired Kawhi Leonard in 2019. The team knew they had to break the bank for a player of this stature, and they ended up building around him to win the NBA championship in the player’s first season. James Harden is not on the level of Kawhi Leonard at this moment, but he is certainly a player who could make a killing alongside Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes. Not to mention, head coach Darko Rajakovic knows how to make players better and is a no-nonsense coach who will expect hard work and sacrifice from every player.
Harden, despite his shooting struggles last season in important games, put up 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 10.7 assists per game for the Philadelphia 76ers alongside Joel Embiid. A double-double offensive machine every night and a star who can carry an offense on his own, Harden can basically be the primary playmaker and scorer in the offense while All-Star Siakam and Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes play around him.Â
Even when losing former All-Star Fred VanVleet in free agency, they can create one of the best starting lineups in the NBA that would frighten the entire league. James Harden, Gary Trent Jr., Otto Porter Jr., Scottie Barnes, and Pascal Siakam can bring it on both ends. The Raptors need to act fast to acquire a star player because it is never easy for a Canadian team to challenge for an NBA championship.Â
Trading OG Anunoby is not the most ideal situation, but neither of these players is on Harden’s level as a passer, scorer, or impact player. Toronto has learned that taking a gamble on a star player turns out in their favor, so paying Harden $30-$35 million per season and becoming a factor in the East makes sense for them.
Philadelphia Gives Joel Embiid A Budding Two-Way Star
Firstly, OG Anunoby is known for his excellent perimeter defense. He can guard multiple positions effectively, which would provide the 76ers with added defensive versatility. His presence would bolster Philadelphia’s ability to match up against elite players in the Eastern Conference, such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Donovan Mitchell, and even Damian Lillard.
Anunoby’s age and potential align with the 76ers’ goals of building for the long term. The player averaged 1.9 steals per game last year to lead the NBA in that category and also made his first All-Defensive Team selection. Along with being an elite defender, OG shot 38.7% from deep last season and that will work whenever Embiid is dealing with constant double-teams in the paint.
Chris Boucher is a versatile big man who can play power forward and center positions. He provides depth in the frontcourt and can stretch the floor with his three-point shooting. This depth would help the 76ers manage their rotation and provide a different look when needed. Last season, Boucher posted 9.4 points and 5.5 rebounds per game on 32.8% shooting from three.
Acquiring Anunoby and Boucher might offer the 76ers some financial flexibility compared to James Harden’s potentially higher salary. This flexibility could be valuable for future roster moves or to stay below the luxury tax threshold. James Harden is a fantastic player, but his style of play can sometimes dominate possessions and ball-handling duties. Acquiring Anunoby and Boucher could help improve the team’s overall chemistry by distributing responsibilities more evenly and potentially creating a more balanced offense.
A Blockbuster Trade That Gives Each Time What They Need
The proposed blockbuster trade between the Toronto Raptors and the Philadelphia 76ers appears to be a strategic move that could address the needs of both teams. For the Toronto Raptors, the acquisition of James Harden brings an elite scoring talent to their roster. Harden’s scoring ability, playmaking, and experience in the playoffs could significantly elevate the Raptors’ competitiveness in the Eastern Conference. With this trade, Toronto aims to maintain its status as a playoff contender and potentially make a deep postseason run.
On the other side, the Philadelphia 76ers benefit from this trade by acquiring OG Anunoby and Chris Boucher. Anunoby’s defensive prowess and emerging offensive game provide the 76ers with the versatility needed to match up against top-tier wing players, a crucial requirement in the competitive Eastern Conference. Chris Boucher’s presence adds depth and flexibility to their frontcourt rotation, giving the team different lineup options.
Ultimately, this trade addresses the Raptors’ desire to secure a proven superstar while allowing the 76ers to build for both the present and the future. However, the success of the trade will depend on how well these new assets integrate into their respective teams and whether they can maximize their potential within their new systems.Â
Only time will tell if this blockbuster deal proves to be a win-win for both franchises or if one emerges as the clear victor in the pursuit of their specific needs and goals. NBA fans will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how this trade impacts the league’s landscape and the fortunes of the Raptors and 76ers in the seasons to come.
