3 potential benefits to the Raptors moving Pascal Siakam

2. Toronto could fill roster holes.

With this year’s trade market consisting of a lot of intriguing, upper-level talent, the weirdness of each’s particular situation is only adding fuel to the fire. Ben Simmons would normally be the biggest name on the market, but his behavior both on and off the court has lowered his value, no matter what Daryl Morey might say.

Contenders and playoff hopefuls like the 76ers, Trail Blazers, Timberwolves, and Warriors have all been loosely linked to a Siakam deal in the past, but the issue has always been about matching salaries.

Pascal makes over $30 million a year, which means that the kind of young assets the rebuilding Raptors are interesting in acquiring are a drop in the ocean when it comes to making the cap work in a deal.

Therefore, the Raptors would have to take on some money from a more expensive player if they want to make the trade work. That’s fine. The Raptors are a roster with a lot to like, and simultaneously a lot of flaws, particularly at the center position.

Moving Siakam would be a way to acquire a young asset, future draft picks, or a starting center.

The Toronto Raptors could improve their depth by trading Pascal Siakam.

Names like Myles Turner have been floated out there. If Turner is on the market, Toronto may look to pry Domantas Sabonis away from Indiana. Some nostalgic fans may even point to a recapturing of New Orleans’ Jonas Valanciunas.

All would round out the roster and help take a talented team from play-in to playoff contention. Toronto needs a more traditional center on this roster, and if Siakam can net that and some healthy draft compensation, this front office may need to consider a move.