The Toronto Raptors may not be too thrilled with the idea of finally trading away players like Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby if the team reaches a ceiling with their current core, but it looks like Masai Ujiri and the rest of the front office may finally bite the bullet and go ahead with this move.
Siakam, who appears to be the more likely trade candidate when compared to Anunoby, has been discussed as a trade target for the better part of a year, with teams like the Hawks, Kings, and Pacers all attaching themselves to him at various stages. Both are motivated and have assets to give up.
As illustrated in HoopsHype’s list of players who could be traded from every NBA team, the league is full of buyers who could try to make a move for Siakam. Even with his impending free agency, Pascal is such a unique talent that he warrants such a bombastic move.
If the Raptors have their mind made up on a Siakam trade, it would be wise for them to target one of these three players as the headlining asset in any return package. Nailing the return could help them remain competitive without a Pistons-esque tank job that leaves them destitute.
3 players the Toronto Raptors could prioritize in Pascal Siakam trades.
3. Davion Mitchell, Sacramento Kings
Suppose the Raptors take the Kings up on their interest in Siakam and send him over to Sacramento. In that case, Ujiri needs to prioritize getting a shooter like Malik Monk or Kevin Hueter back in exchange. However, Toronto shouldn't stop discussions until they secure the services of a former top pick in Mitchell.
The former Baylor star has fallen out of favor under Mike Brown, as he went from averaging 11.5 points per game and 4.2 assists per game in his rookie year to mustering just 5.1 points per game this season. He needs a fresh start, and the Raptors could be an ideal landing spot.
The Toronto Raptors could trade for Davion Mitchell.
Mitchell represents an upgrade over Malachi Flynn, as he brings more effective distribution and better shot selection while carrying over tremendous on-ball defense. They don't throw out names like "Off Night" that easily, and he earned it due to his pesky play.
Mitchell might be yet another defense-first player who won't be a knockdown shooter when he comes to Toronto, but it's hard to fault Ujiri for insisting on a former Top 10 pick that clearly isn't part of the long-term plan in Sacramento when moving a player of Siakam's caliber.