The Toronto Raptors have once again found themselves in the middle of Pascal Siakam trade rumors, as the Atlanta Hawks were once again mentioned as a team that has been trying to secure the services of one of the best offensive power forwards in the game.
Toronto could end this entire charade by choosing to extend him and confirm his status as a long-term cornerstone, but the Raptors have been hesitant to do so. With Scottie Barnes still in the process of emerging as a star, and both OG Anunoby and Gary Trent Jr. both possible free agents, paying Siakam may not be a no-doubt move.
Teams are starting to circle the Raptors, as they are already positioning themselves for either a Siakam trade or a chance to swipe him away in free agency when they get the chance. Toronto needs to be wary of all the competition out there for his services in the next few months.
These three teams could all have designs on adding Siakam to the mix. Given their combination of potential cap space, assets to compensate the Raptors in a sign-and-trade, and the organizational desire to win now, Siakam might be interested in joining one of these new environments.
3 teams who could steal Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder
If the Raptors decide to go with a sign-and-trade, Oklahoma City could have as many picks at their disposal as any team in the league and a desire to start winning following years of rebuilding. The Thunder could send some picks and quality young players over to Toronto to secure Siakam’s services.
The Thunder are building a very Raptors-esque positionless lineup that features two bigger guards in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey and a gangly 7-1 star in Chet Holmgren. The Thunder have the flexibility to give Siakam the long-term contract he is seeking.
The Toronto Raptors must watch the Thunder’s interest in Pascal Siakam.
Going to OKC might be a solid outcome for the Raptors, as they could get something in return via a sign-and-trade. A player like Lu Dort could come the other way, and the Thunder might be more willing to part with future first-round picks due to the absolute surplus they have right now.
Who would have thought that VanVleet would be wearing Houston Rockets red and white just a year ago at this time? The desire for Sam Presti to kick things into overdrive in a weak conference might be enough to get the Thunder’s engines properly revved up.
2. New York Knicks
This would be a nightmare situation, but this can’t be discarded. With doubts about RJ Barrett’s ability to be a key player on a championship team and the Knicks’ perpetual habit of being linked to top free agents, don’t be surprised if New York tries to go after Siakam.
While the fit might seem a bit odd alongside Julius Randle, Siakam has shown to be a versatile enough player to make things work. With Josh Hart locked up long-term, the Knicks could move forward with a bigger lineup that includes both of these standout forwards sharing the floor.
Will the Toronto Raptors lose Pascal Siakam to the Knicks?
The Raptors still have the upper hand in Siakam talks, as they can offer him tons of money and familiarity, but there’s reason to believe that the Cameroonian star might not be all-in on a team that isn’t committing in totality to compete for championships in the immediate future.
The Knicks can be run impulsively at times, but that mindset helped them land Jalen Brunson. The Raptors can tempt Siakam with money, but they will have to recognize that a hated rival has a good amount of resources at their disposal and won’t be afraid to use them (especially if they strike out in trading for a superstar).
1. Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks are likely not going to throw their hands up and admit defeat if they are unable to trade for Siakam. If he hits the open market, an aggressive front office will likely pull out all the stops to build a big three based around Siakam, Trae Young, and Dejounte Murray.
With De’Andre Hunter and AJ Griffin reportedly included in a hypothetical trade package, the latest rumors seem to signal that Atlanta is not too committed to either of these rotation players. Prized youngsters like Kobe Bufkin, Onyeka Okungwu, and Jalen Johnson could also be on the trading block.
The Atlanta Hawks want Pascal Siakam.
If the Hawks can get rid of Clint Capela and replace him with Siakam, it’s not unreasonable to say they could have one of the best offenses in the league. With a good coach like Quin Snyder at the sticks, the Hawks are ready to compete for titles once more.
Siakam is still a Raptor, and his reported refusal to extend his contract if traded makes it sound like he isn’t too keen on a trade elsewhere. However, hearts and minds could change sooner than most think. The Hawks will likely keep pursuing him, and his resistance could be worn down.