3 Ways the Toronto Raptors can win a Pascal Siakam trade
By Mike Luciano
2. Acquire Kobe Bufkin
The recently leaked offer that Atlanta sent to Toronto in exchange for Siakam involved De’Andre Hunter, AJ Griffin, and unspecified draft compensation going to the Raptors in exchange for Siakam. Such an offer is quite intriguing, but it also is not as good as getting an offer with Bufkin in the deal.
Bufkin, who was picked just two selections after Gradey Dick with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, could be the long-term answer at point guard that Toronto has been seeking (assuming Scottie Barnes is not up to the task). His offensive skills will be accentuated on a Raptors team that will give him a long developmental roadway.
The Toronto Raptors need Kobe Bufkin for Pascal Siakam.
The Raptors need a point guard that can play like Dennis Schroder, yet has a higher ceiling than a player who appears to be a two-year stopgap. Bufkin is that type of player, as he could be a terrific interior scorer with a passable jumper from 3-point range.
Hunter might be the best player from a win-now point of view, Griffin is full of potential, and Jalen Johnson could be worth targeting. However, getting Bufkin in Siakam talks would be a tremendous success for this front office.