The Toronto Raptors went the entire offseason without officially agreeing to a trade that would send Pascal Siakam away for what would assuredly be a tremendous haul of promising players, prized picks, and financial flexibility. The results of that philosophy haven’t been too encouraging amid his slow start.
With an extension likely not happening anytime soon and the offense starting to struggle due in part to Siakam’s steep decline from a scoring point of view, the idea of trading him away could help Toronto more effectively lean into the Scottie Barnes experiment.
In much the same way the 76ers restocked the cupboard after the James Harden deal was consummated, the Raptors could fix their issues on the bench by getting controllable young players and future draft picks in exchange for a player who may have hit his professional peak.
Suppose Masai Ujiri is going to reverse his desire to keep Pascal in town and actually start to explore what would be one of the most impactful moves in Raptors history. In that case, he needs to get on the phone with any one of these three teams as he tries to gauge what it will take to acquire the Toronto legend.
3 teams who could trade bench players for Toronto Raptors PF Pascal Siakam.
3. Orlando Magic
While Siakam might encounter some of the same issues in Orlando that have plagued him in Toronto, there’s a good chance working with a more traditional big man like Paolo Banchero provides less friction than suiting up alongside a stylistic equal in Barnes.
The Magic may have extended Cole Anthony, but they can’t keep all of their guards long-term after adding yet another ball-handler to the mix in Anthony Black. Any one of them would be an upgrade on Toronto’s bench, and they could start converting their picks into players as they try to build a winner.
The Orlando Magic need a player like Pascal Siakam.
Markelle Fultz and Jalen Suggs certainly aren’t world-beaters, but both of them could become a high-end backup to Dennis Schroder. Orlando has many future first-round picks in their possession that moving off one or two of them likely won’t phase this front office.
In a state with no state tax, any contract Siakam signs could end up with him taking home more money. If cash and being comfortable is the priority, living in 80-degree weather with one of the best young teams in the league could appeal to him. If Siakam stays in Orlando, Toronto might pull the trigger on a deal.
2. Sacramento Kings
The Kings have been in on Siakam from the very start, and they should be a partner Toronto is very interested in doing business with. Monte McNair was willing to move off Tyrese Haliburton, showing some uncommon aggression when it comes to adding a player he likes.
While it’s unlikely that Toronto would land a player like Keegan Murray, Sacramento’s second unit and a contract like Harrison Barnes’ that could be used for ballast might be enough to get the Raptors interested. The Kings slotting Siakam into the starting lineup would help one of the best offenses in the league be even more lethal.
The Sacramento Kings could get Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors.
With Sacramento being a tough draw for free agents and the De’Aaron Fox/Domantas Sabonis 1-2 punch starting to hit their peak, McNair might be willing to pay more than face value if he can get a big name. Toronto needs to capitalize on their desire to win now.
Davion Mitchell seems like a player who was born to play for Masai Ujiri, and one of either Kevin Huerter, Malik Monk, or Chris Duarte would be a welcome addition. If the Kings cough up picks, there’s a chance Siakam will be wearing Kings purple and grey in the future.
1. Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks were willing to make an offer for Siakam, and they have consistently been the team who has put the most effort into pursuing a trade for the All-NBA forward. Even though Atlanta has been off to a helter-skelter start, they will still likely have interest in a Siakam deal.
While Jalen Johnson is likely off the table after a very strong start, AJ Griffin could still be moved easily. Bogdan Bogdanovic is still out there, and the Hawks may even be willing to part with Kobe Bufkin. After his inconspicuous start to life in the NBA, he might be more available than he was in the offseason.
Will the Atlanta Hawks end up with Pascal Siakam?
It remains to be seen how Atlanta would make a core of Siakam, Trae Young, and Dejounte Murray work due to all three of them needing the ball in their hands to be effective, but Quin Snyder’s bunch wouldn’t have been that involved in trade talks if they didn’t have a plan in place.
The Hawks might be willing to give up some juicy first-round picks, as they need to get the most out of Young and Murray while they’re in town. Siakam might not extend, but getting him in the building with this trade could help change his mind