Frye says the Toronto Raptors would give James Harden the culture and the focus on player development he needs to succeed in this league.
As of right now, it looks like James Harden is as good as traded to the Brooklyn Nets. Saying that it is also being reported that the Houston Rockets are willing to get “uncomfortable” with Harden and are in no rush to trade him now or even to his preferred destination. Channing Frye has been pretty active on Twitter responding to fans’ questions recently and was asked where he thought Harden would end up. The Toronto Raptors?
I don’t do the math, the best place for him to win and is Toronto. Hands down. Think about the organization the development the players the culture he would get everything he needs! https://t.co/ln2ESGxOSU
— Channing Frye (@channingfrye) November 17, 2020
Of course, this take was met with fist bumps from the Toronto Raptors faithful and scoffs from every other fanbase in the league. A disgruntled superstar who has a list of other teams in mind getting traded to the Raptors… remind you of someone? Kawhi Leonard is a perfect example of how the Toronto Raptors can put great players in great situations to win through a great culture and dedication to their players.
Would James Harden fit on the Toronto Raptors?
James Harden was actually almost traded to the Toronto Raptors in 2012. Here was the reported deal…
Ouch.
It’s easy enough to look back and say what the Toronto Raptors should have done, but this would’ve changed the whole trajectory of the Raptors organization if GM at the time Bryan Colangelo pulled the trigger. Let’s just say the Raps brought in Masai Ujiri shortly after.
For the current Toronto Raptors, James Harden would certainly be a welcome addition but the fit and cost could require some work from the Raptors. If it was to happen Kyle Lowry or Fred VanVleet would have to be taken out of the picture.
Kyle Lowry could be certainly a candidate to be sent to Houston along with probably a thousand first-round picks. Were the Raps to re-sign Steady Freddy; a core of him, Harden, and Pascal Siakam would represent a great next couple of years for the Toronto Raptors (although the Rockets would most certainly initially ask for Siakam to be included in the deal).
With Giannis Antetokounmpo looking like he may be a lock to re-sign with the Milwaukee Bucks after their two massive trade additions many Raptors fans are wondering “where do we go now?”
A trade for James Harden would certainly bring an end to that question. As sweet as it could be though, the price would be massive for a player of such a caliber and it is easy to see how it may not be worth it for the Toronto Raptors.