Grade the Trade: Raptors land James Harden in shocking proposal
The Toronto Raptors made an offer for an NBA superstar on an expiring contract in the hopes of winning an NBA title. The year was 2018, and the player was Kawhi Leonard. He went on to lead an ensemble cast to the 2019 NBA Finals and bring a championship to Canada.
Could the Raptors repeat the magic of 2019 and trade for another star player on an expiring contract? James Harden is opting into the final year of his contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, with the hope of working out a trade to another team.
JUST IN: James Harden is opting into his $35.6 million deal for next season – in order for the 10-time All-Star and the 76ers to work together on a trade out of Philadelphia, league sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2023
James Harden is on an expiring contract, and as a result of signing a two-year extension a year ago, he is not eligible for a contract extension. Any team trading for Harden, including the Raptors, would have no option other than letting him hit free agency next summer.
Could the Raptors work out a trade for James Harden?
Harden may have ups and downs in the playoffs, but he is also an incredibly talented scorer and passer in a way that no one else on the Toronto roster is. If the price is right, could they work out a deal?
To answer that question, we first have to identify the price. What would a Harden trade even look like?