Toronto Raptors: Pascal Siakam “offered”, OG Anunoby likely not for sale

The Toronto Raptors could be on the verge of losing Kyle Lowry in free agency, but fans should take solace in the fact that a core led by OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam could help get things turned around quickly. At least…they could get things turned around quickly if they themselves don’t end up getting traded themselves.

In addition to the Ben Simmons rumors that have been gaining steam for the last few weeks, players like Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard and Wizards scoring machine Bradley Beal appear to be weighing their future in their respective cities. With Toronto always looking to acquire stars, could one of those two be on the move?

Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, speaking via Sportsnet 590 The FAN, hinted that Siakam is not only available for trade, but that he has been offered by the front office in order to entice teams into trading away a star.

Fischer also claimed that Philadelphia 76ers mastermind Daryl Morey has been doing “intel” on Siakam since the NBA Draft Combine. Is this a sign that Morey is targeting Siakam if he trades away Simmons?

“It seems pretty clear that he is the main piece that the Raptors are willing to move to get one of those [star] guys,” Fischer said.

Toronto Raptors rumors: Is Pascal Siakam available?

Siakam might be out for the first part of next season due to a shoulder injury, and he didn’t necessarily perform at the All-Star level he reached in 2019-20, but he did average 21.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game despite a bout with COVID-19 and a depleted roster around him.

With three years left on a four-year, $136 million contract that he signed prior to last year, Siakam would be quite a return for any team looking to offload a superstar. He’s signed long-term, has championship experience, and can get 20 points a night with ease.

Still, if Toronto wants to contend this year, keeping Siakam and rolling with a retooled lineup might not be the worst thing in the world, especially considering how a healthy Siakam made some strides as a rebounder and passer.

Fischer did mention that the Raptors are unwilling to trade Anunoby, who recently signed a long-term contract with Toronto. Given his insane defensive skills, improving offense, and potential to get even better at just 24 years old, Toronto likely won’t part with him unless they are floored with their return.

The Raptors should do their homework on some of the top players available if they want to add a game-changer, but they should take into consideration the fact that they could have to part with a ton of resources to get that one player.