3 Raptors rival trade rumors that could be brutal for Toronto

1. The James Harden-Ben Simmons swap

With Harden allegedly getting a bit frustrated by what is going on in Brooklyn this season and Simmons still refusing to play for the 76ers, Daryl Morey might be able to tip the basketball world completely upside down if he managed to acquire the future Hall of Famer for a package centered around his disgruntled star and draft picks.

As weird as this trade might sound at face value, the idea of a Harden-Simmons swap might actually strengthen both teams. With Philly deficient in shooting and Brooklyn in need of some defensive standouts, the trade might help both of these teams strengthen their rosters.

Toronto Raptors rumors: A James Harden-Ben Simmons trade would hurt.

No matter who the Nets have on the roster or how many games Kyrie Irving plays, they will be a force to be reckoned with when Kevin Durant returns to full health. Likewise, a 76ers roster that features Harden, Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris, and Tyrese Maxey will give the Raptors problems.

While Toronto is by no means a championship contender this season, the odds of them rising to the top of the division shortly will be severely limited if this trade goes through. Keeping the Nets dysfunctional and Simmons weighing on the 76ers is what is best for the Raptors.