Why Toronto, Boston could make a run at trading for James Harden

Per veteran Houston radio host John Granato, the Raptors and Celtics “are the favorites right now” to trade for disgruntled Rockets superstar James Harden.
An impeccable source says the Raptors and the Celtics are the favorites right now for James Harden. It’d be a package for Pascal Siakam and more or Jaylen Brown and more, Radio host John Granato tweeted.
Perhaps most importantly, Siakam and Brown are each under contract for the next four NBA seasons.
That would give the Rockets significant asset control, which is likely important if they’re going to give up a player as valuable as Harden, a perennial scoring champion and MVP finalist.
For any deal to get to the finish line, Houston would want other assets — such as future draft compensation and/or young prospects — in addition to Siakam or Brown.
Both the Raptors and Celtics, who are each above the NBA’s salary cap, would also have to send out extra salary to be allowed to take in Harden’s $41.3-million figure for this season

Per veteran Houston radio host John Granato, the Raptors and Celtics “are the favorites right now” to trade for disgruntled Rockets superstar James Harden.
An impeccable source says the Raptors and the Celtics are the favorites right now for James Harden. It’d be a package for Pascal Siakam and more or Jaylen Brown and more, Radio host John Granato tweeted.
Perhaps most importantly, Siakam and Brown are each under contract for the next four NBA seasons.
That would give the Rockets significant asset control, which is likely important if they’re going to give up a player as valuable as Harden, a perennial scoring champion and MVP finalist.
For any deal to get to the finish line, Houston would want other assets — such as future draft compensation and/or young prospects — in addition to Siakam or Brown.
Both the Raptors and Celtics, who are each above the NBA’s salary cap, would also have to send out extra salary to be allowed to take in Harden’s $41.3-million figure for this season