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3 potential benefits to the Raptors moving Pascal Siakam

By Avishai Sol

OTORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 13: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors looks on against the Sacramento Kings in their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on December 13, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
OTORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 13: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors looks on against the Sacramento Kings in their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on December 13, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images) /
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Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors
TORONTO, ON – DECEMBER 8: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images) /

The idea of trading Pascal Siakam can be a touchy subject with Toronto Raptors fans. The team’s sole All-Star and one of the few remaining pillars of the 2019 Championship team, he is a Raptors legend. That’s why talking about potential Siakam trades is more painful than any other player. He means something to the fabric of this franchise.

However, one can’t sacrifice the progress of the team. Siakam has been shoehorned these past few years into a role he’s not particularly suited for. He can’t be the No. 1 scoring option on a title contender. He’s still a supremely talented player, he just doesn’t fit the current Raptors’ needs or direction.

The team’s won-loss record without the Cameroonian sensation in the lineup isn’t totally reflective of Siakam’s individual play, but it has illustrated the holes on the roster that trading him could help fill.

If he’s the primary force helping the Raptors win now, what does Siakam bring that the Raptors need in such abundant quantity that he is untouchable? The Raptors should keep their eyes peeled for a trade. Not a few years down the road, but in the next few months.

Potential benefits of the Toronto Raptors moving Pascal Siakam?

3. His market value will never be higher

Age-wise, he’s entering the prime years of his career. While he’s shown to be a player more reliant on skill rather than raw athleticism, and will likely then enjoy a strong early 30s, general managers will always value the future over the present. GMs will pay more for him now.

Siakam is still more than capable of reeling off an All-Star season or two. However, with the franchise amid a soft rebuild, the deep playoff runs that vault mid-level stars like Siakam to the spotlight are still a few years away. Why not get some more assets for the long haul?

Pascal Siakam could help the Toronto Raptors get assets.

With players like Fred VanVleet, Scottie Barnes, and OG Anunoby sucking away shots and production, the odds of Siakam putting up the stats to be a consistent All-Star in the competitive East will get slimmer with each passing year.

Siakam has hit a hot streak this past month, which, if carried over until the trade deadline, should only help his market value. If the team was to ever trade Pascal, now would be the most opportune time. Strike while the iron is hot or expect diminishing returns going forward.