The latest batches of Toronto Raptors rumors always seem to be related to star power forward Pascal Siakam. After the selection of Scottie Barnes in the NBA Draft and the departure of Kyle Lowry, those on the outside looking in seem to think that the Raptors are destined for a rebuild.
Siakam is not just some above-average player that the Raptors should discard. In fact, he is a franchise cornerstone just a year removed from an All-NBA selection. If Masai Ujiri is refusing to tank, there is no reason that the Raptors should make trading Siakam a priority.
Still, contending teams and teams looking to reverse years of futility are always looking to add players of Siakam’s caliber. While the Kings have been trying to entice the Raptors with a package that would send Siakam to Sacramento, two other Western Conference teams are eyeing the Cameroonian stud.
Per Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee, the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers have joined the Kings in their pursuit of Siakam. Anderson claims that Ujiri is “listening like a good negotiator”, but a deal remains unlikely.
Sources: Sacramento Kings seek major move as pressure mounts within the organization. Raptors president Masai Ujiri "listening like a good negotiator" as teams inquire about Pascal Siakam, but how likely are the Raptors to come to the table? ⬇️https://t.co/2NPju56w5x
— Jason Anderson (@JandersonSacBee) August 9, 2021
Luckily for Raptors fans, Anderson noted that Siakam has no desire to be traded despite the fact that Toronto will have to fight to make it to the postseason. It sounds like Siakam is in Toronto for the long haul.
Raptors rumors: Pascal Siakam might not be on the move.
Siakam’s scoring might’ve taken a dip last year, but he still averaged 21.2 points per game while setting new career-best marks in assists and steals per game. His rebounding averages were almost identical to 2019-20. He is still a premium asset.
Siakam, who might miss the first part of the season as he recovers from a shoulder injury, was spotted watching Barnes and the Raptors in Summer League play, which is not the behavior of someone who would be angling for or expecting a trade.
Pascal Siakam is here to watch the young guys. pic.twitter.com/O4028KZaJO
— Nick Crain (@CrainNBA) August 8, 2021
Sacramento wouldn’t make a ton of sense as a trade partner if they are unwilling to part with De’Aaron Fox (they are unwilling to do so), but at least Buddy Hield and Marvin Bagley III would have some intrigue attached to them.
The Warriors would have to send Andrew Wiggins back to make the money match up, and despite his scoring prowess, he could be a bit redundant with the Barnes selection. The Clippers have…well…a can-do attitude?
Siakam is one of the best power forwards in the game, and they shouldn’t just offload him for the sake of offloading. Unless some sucker gives the Raptors a comically unbalanced offer, expect Siakam to remain in his rightful place in Toronto for the next few years.