The Toronto Raptors’ fanbase has been trying to navigate the latest monsoon of Pascal Siakam trade rumors. While the Atlanta Hawks have been hovering around the Siakam miasma in the last few months, it appears as though the two sides are at an impasse right now.
The Hawks sent a package to Toronto that included quality two-way forward De’Andre Hunter, 2022 No. 16 pick AJ Griffin, and unspecified draft compensation in exchange for Siakam, who is in the final year of his contract. Siakam has reportedly shown hesitancy with regard to signing an extension after being traded.
The Raptors might reengage with Atlanta, assuming the Hawks will eventually put either more draft picks or promising young point guard Kobe Bufkin on the table in negotiations.
If the Raptors can pull off this move, simultaneously turning the page on the most successful era in franchise history, they could still be a team that turns some heads in 2023 and beyond. The Hawks need to send more picks over to Toronto, but the rotation could still be worthwhile if Scottie Barnes steps up.
🏀 The Toronto Raptors crossroads with Pascal Siakam – plus the offer that’s come closest for the two-time All-Star
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 8, 2023
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🆕 Inside Pass at @TheAthletic: https://t.co/GlR01paqV2
Toronto Raptors rotation if Pascal Siakam gets traded to Hawks
PG: Scottie Barnes, Dennis Schroder
SG: Gary Trent Jr, Gradey Dick
SF: OG Anunoby, AJ Griffin
PF: De’Andre Hunter, Chris Boucher
C: Jakob Poeltl, Precious Achiuwa
Hunter’s best role would be at the power forward spot, as he can use his feisty defense, switchability, and 52% field goal percentage inside the arc to become a consistent scorer for Toronto. Griffin would go to the bench, taking on the role of a second-unit sniper who keeps gradually adding more to his game.
Barnes would stay in the starting lineup as the primary ball-handler, keeping Schroder on the bench as the team’s Sixth Man. Dick would still get rotation time due to his draft status and raw talent, and the Boucher/Achiuwa tag team in the frontcourt will return once again.
While McDaniels and Koloko would both be outside of the rotation (unless Rajakovic expands to 11 players), such decisions would need to be made if they want to accommodate all of the players they added from Atlanta.
“Sources tell me that the Hawks have made an offer of De'Andre Hunter, AJ Griffin and draft compensation for (Pascal) Siakam … the price tag that (the Raptors) have set has been upped at every turn in negotiations.”
— Stadium (@Stadium) August 8, 2023
NBA Insider @ShamsCharania updates us on Pascal Siakam. pic.twitter.com/USFp7CsVu0
The Raptors could build a very deep rotation if they make this move while simultaneously refilling the draft cupboards with exciting first-round picks. Losing Siakam would be a painful moment for this franchise, but there are ways to ensure that Toronto is put in a good position with the haul they will pick up from Atlanta.