NBA rumors: 2 more fringe contenders join Pascal Siakam hunt

The NBA landscape has been dominated by trade rumors surrounding Toronto Raptors star Pascal Siakam. Despite his happiness in Toronto and unwillingness to sign an extension elsewhere if traded, the Raptors have done little to slow down the constant deluge of rumors.

Teams like the Atlanta Hawks and Indiana Pacers have been very upfront in their desire to acquire Siakam in a trade, as they both need one more game-changer that could change the whole calculus of how their team operates. However, talks have been moving at a glacial pace.

The Raptors are likely holding out until they find a way to get a haul in exchange for a player with one year left on his deal. With more teams joining the fray, including a rival in the Atlantic Division, the Raptors may actually come closer to achieving that end.

Matt Moore of The Action Network reported that the Philadelphia 76ers and Oklahoma City Thunder have thrown their hats in the ring for Siakam. With the 76ers looking to reinforce a strong roster and the Thunder trying to break into that contending tier, both front offices will likely be very aggressive.

NBA rumors: 76ers, Thunder interested in Raptors’ Pascal Siakam

Philadelphia and Oklahoma City could not have two more different collections of assets. While the 76ers could provide Toronto with win-now assets, the Thunder have 35 draft picks in their possession during the next seven years. Some of them have to be rerouted for proven talent eventually.

If the Raptors are prizing draft picks and young talent above all else, the Thunder might make sense as a trade partner. A starting lineup featuring Siakam, Chet Holmgren, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Josh Giddey would be a chaotic nightmare for opposing defenses.

The 76ers may need to get a third team involved due to their lack of tradeable assets. Oklahoma City might be willing to offer up names like Jalen Williams and Lu Dort, as their core is likely set in stone. With more picks than any other team in the new few years, they could easily send multiple to Toronto.

The Raptors may end up extending Siakam and rolling with the core they have (thus ending all the trade rumors), but until that happens, teams across the league will try to pilfer him away. While Philly has some logistical challenges, the Thunder might be willing to dip into their vast well of picks.