There was an expectation heading into the offseason that the Toronto Raptors were going to be active and aggressive in possibly hitting the reset button. After a relatively quiet start to the summer, it seems like that prediction may end up being right after all.
Losing Fred VanVleet in free agency (to the Houston Rockets) and with the whispers growing that Pascal Siakam could be the next Raptor to switch jerseys, it’s becoming abundantly clear that there’s a youth movement taking place in Toronto.
Entering the final year of his contract, finding the “right” trade for Siakam won’t be easy for the Raptors. However, it does appear this could be the next domino to fall for the franchise. One team that has recently been linked to Siakam is the Indiana Pacers (subscription required).
A possible deal between the Raptors and Pacers could prove to be complicated, but Indiana does have some assets that would be of interest to Toronto.
5 assets the Toronto Raptors must ask for from Pacers in Pascal Siakam trade
5. Buddy Hield
Hield may seem like a bit of an afterthought at this point in his career, but he’d almost have to be involved in any deal for Pascal Siakam to help make the money work, especially if another big contract (from the Pacers) is not involved.
While Hield may not make much sense for the Raptors from an on-the-court standpoint due to his poor defense, he’d represent an asset that Toronto could flip at or before next year’s NBA Trade Deadline for a collection of younger players and picks.
Will Buddy Hield join the Toronto Raptors?
Hield is on an expiring contract and coming off one of the best shooting seasons of his career. At the trade deadline, there will be contenders lining up for his services if he’s available. Why can’t Toronto jump to the front of the line and secure his services?
That’s an asset Toronto should demand from Indiana in any deal for Siakam, as including Hield would just be the starting point for the Raptors.