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.
2. Buddy Hield, Indiana Pacers
The Pacers already have the league's most high-octane offense, as Tyrese Haliburton's emerging into an All-NBA threat has unlocked their potential. Adding Siakam would take this team over the top, but it would cost them a player like Hield in exchange.
While the Raptors have tried and failed to both turn fringe shooters into great ones (Jalen McDaniels) and throw young players into the rotation (current G League player Gradey Dick), the best course of action might be to get someone who has been a proven excellent shooter for years.
Buddy Hield could help the Toronto Raptors.
Hield is making just under 40% of his 3-pointers this season, and he's drained at least 39% of his 3-pointers in the NBA in every year except for one with some ridiculously high volume. This Raptors team getting Hield would be the equivalent of a drink of cold water to someone stranded in the Sahara for a week.
Hield is going to be 31 years old soon and brings nothing to the table defensively, making his status as the headliner in a Siakam deal a bit puzzling. However, with how bad the need for shooting has become, Toronto may have no choice but to forge ahead with this trade.
1. De'Andre Hunter, Atlanta Hawks
While the Hawks find themselves right next to the Raptors in the standings, their commitment to the Trae Young/Dejounte Murray partnership is so steadfast they may have no other choice but to go all-in on a Siakam trade. Hunter makes sense as a Raptors acquisition.
Hunter's 14.4 points per game are right on with what he's averaged in the last three seasons. With 46/37/88 shooting splits, tremendous defense, and long-term potential yet to be unearthed at age 26, the Raptors need to make sure he comes to Toronto in any Siakam deal.
The Toronto Raptors must insist on De'Andre Hunter in Pascal Siakam talks.
Hunter, a player like either AJ Griffin or Kobe Bufkin, and some of the Hawks' future draft capital could be enough to get a deal done. Ujiri may have been unwilling to pull the trigger on a deal in the offseason, but perhaps this season has made him more receptive to saying yes.
Hunter can slot right into the starting lineup, maintain the team's relatively strong defensive identity, and help with their lack of shooting. Griffin would be a nice addition, but Hunter is the prize, and Siakam won't wear Hawks red and yellow without giving him up.