The Toronto Raptors have the ability to flip the NBA upside down in the next few months, as they have one of the most impressive trade assets in the league at their disposal in Pascal Siakam. The Raptors have once again been linked to a potential Siakam trade.
In tandem with insider Mark Medina saying that a Siakam trade appears to be more a matter of when, not if, it transpires, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that the Atlanta Hawks offered the Raptors a very impressive package of young players and draft picks to acquire him.
With Siakam’s impending free agency making it difficult for the Raptors to get a haul that is worthy of an All-NBA forward who is still on the right side of 30, the Raptors could end up ruining the future of their franchise if this trade is not consummated properly.
The Raptors can also make sure that the post-Siakam era is given a nitro boost provided by nailing the return package and sending him to the best destination possible. If most of these three objectives can be achieved, the Raptors can hold their heads high after making such a difficult decision.
3 ways the Toronto Raptors can win the Pascal Siakam trade.
3. Don’t trade him in the division
The Atlantic Division might be the toughest individual such grouping in the league, as all five teams looked posted to make some noise next season. To make matters even more interesting, many of Toronto’s top rivals have the assets needed to tempt them into a Siakam trade.
While the Celtics might not be able to accommodate Siakam financially, the Nets have a very interesting collection of young players and future picks. The Knicks could throw multiple rotation players to Toronto in exchange, and former Raptors coach Nick Nurse might be willing to extend some feelers with the 76ers.
The Toronto Raptors can’t trade Pascal Siakam in the Atlantic.
The only thing worse than getting a lackluster return for Siakam in a trade would be getting a party collection of assorted knick-knacks and watching him do his thing for a rival team. The two New York teams would love to set themselves apart by adding Siakam to the fold.
While Ujiri has discussed trades with rivals in the past, he would be a fool to send away Siakam to one of these teams. While none of them have been linked in the past, they could try to tempt Ujiri if the offseason continues to drag on and Ujiri’s trading itch gets more pronounced.
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.
1. Get at least two first-round picks
With the Hunter/Griffin package looking quite intriguing for the Raptors, the reason the trade was turned down has to be related to the lack of quality draft capital. With OG Anunoby having stayed in Toronto for similar reasons, it is clear as to what Ujiri is valuing in these talks.
The Raptors need at least two first-round picks for Siakam. Ideally, one of them would be unprotected, and the other would have some very light protections on it. This would let Ujiri restock the cupboard with cheap, young talent who could evolve into his next Siakam.
The Toronto Raptors need draft picks for Pascal Siakam.
The Raptors are trading Siakam at an odd time. While inferior role players have been traded for multiple first-round picks in recent months, the new CBA and penalties for spending a ton of money might make teams less willing to part ways with those incredibly precious assets.
Given the challenges that Toronto faces when it comes to signing free agents, and the impending big contract coming Scottie Barnes’ way, Ujiri prioritizing first-round picks is a wise undertaking. While Atlanta gave up a ton to get Dejounte Murray, they still have tradeable picks left.