The Toronto Raptors have been adamant about their refusal to part ways with star forward Pascal Siakam, but that doesn’t mean that rival teams out there are going to throw their hands up and stop trying to acquire him. The Atlanta Hawks seem particularly committed to getting a deal done.
With rumors floated by Michael Grange of Sportsnet claiming that Siakam remains in the trade rumor mill, the Hawks might try to pick up where they left off and attempt to convince Toronto to part ways with Siakam via a swap. They have enough assets to make a very convincing offer to this front office.
Any Siakam trade talk should be prefaced by the fact that his intention to stay in Toronto long-term and unwillingness to sign an extension elsewhere have been reported. However, if the circumstances change and Siakam is willing to leave, Toronto might need to get a deal done and send him on his way.
If Atlanta is going to be a team with any degree of interest in acquiring Siakam, they need to be willing to send Dejounte Murray over to the Raptors as the headlining piece in return. If they are willing to do that, Ujiri might finally be willing to move off one of his veteran trade assets.
An interesting player to monitor as the NBA transaction market heats up is Raptors Pascal Siakam. Keep hearing his name out there, per multiple sources. Atlanta still interested. Something to watch.
— Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) July 2, 2023
Grade the TradeL Could Raptors trade Pascal Siakam to Hawks?
By acquiring the Michigan guard and one of Atlanta’s two firsts next year, the Raptors would essentially be getting a pair of firsts due to Bufkin’s rookie status. Okongwu and Jakob Poeltl teaming in the frontcourt would set the Raptors up for success in the paint for a half-decade.
Murray and Siakam may both hit free agency soon, but extension talks could nullify those concerns for both sides. Losing Siakam would embolden Scottie Barnes to step into his role full-time, all while giving Toronto a 6-4 triple-double threat still in the prime of his career at the point guard spot.
An OG Anunoby trade might be more likely, as the Raptors would really need to have their socks knocked off to even consider a Siakam deal. However, if the Hawks are willing to give them an All-Star point guard and three extremely valuable young assets, Ujiri might reconsider.
Grade: A-