The Toronto Raptors are in a position to finally get back on the right track and build an NBA-caliber bench in the next few months. However, the best way to accomplish that could be to trade away former All-NBA forward and franchise icon Pascal Siakam.
While the Raptors will likely try to engage contenders, as it would give Siakam a chance to both compete for a championship and land a contract with a team that has eyes on winning in the next few years, Masai Ujiri's chief concern should be getting as many long-term assets under his control as possible.
The Western Conference might be the best spot for Siakam at this point. Not only will the Raptors avoid the dubious distinction of trading him to a team they could see again in the postseason, but many teams out west have a boatload of young, controllable players and future draft picks.
These 3 teams could end up as perfect trade partners for the Raptors, as they have the perfect blend of desire to get a deal done, assets that count entice Toronto, and a roster that could accommodate Siakam's talents fairly well.
3 teams who have assets to give Toronto Raptors in Pascal Siakam trade.
3. Sacramento Kings
The Kings have been linked to a Siakam trade for quite some time, as they have both a need to improve quickly and a spot for yet another offensive difference-maker that can slot right in and elevate an already excellent offense to truly elite status.
Sacramento has a solid bench, but it seems hard to envision a future in which backups like Davion Mitchell are retained long-term. Furthermore, Harrison Barnes could be a nice veteran addition, and former top pick Keegan Murray is certainly the type of player Ujiri would cover in any potential deal.
Will the Sacramento Kings trade for Pascal Siakam?
Much like the Raptors, the Kings are likely never going to be a marquee free agent destination. Knowing this, Monte McNair will likely be more than willing to part with unprotected first-round picks to secure a player like Siakam. After all, he already moved Tyrese Haliburton to acquire Domantas Sabonis.
The Kings need to be kept on the line for as long as the Siakam saga goes, as they just make too much sense as a trade partner in basically every way. Murray might be the deal-breaker. However, if he is available, Ujiri needs to pounce and secure yet another promising asset.
2. Houston Rockets
The Rockets? A young team who just gave Fred VanVleet a ton of money? Well, now that Ime Udoka has shown enough acumen to get Houston back into the postseason picture after years of unwatchable pap, they could end up being a team that makes a move for him.
Years of tanking and top picks have helped Houston land Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith, and Amen Thompson. Is it possible to develop all of these players, give them all long-term deals and allow VanVleet the space he needs to cook? If not, why not convert those assets into Pascal?
Can the Toronto Raptors trade Pascal Siakam to the Houston Rockets?
While it is unclear which assets Houston would consider moving at this point in time, their haul of first-round picks from years of trading and collection of worthwhile youngsters would make it easy to put together a package that would appeal to Ujiri and a Raptors team thinking about the future would happily snatch up.
VanVleet wouldn't have earned the contract he did if the Rockets didn't have an aggressive, winning mindset in their front office. Siakam might require some impactful names to be tosed over to Toronto, but it makes sense for both sides if the Rockets are within postseason striking distance.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
Most executives in the league would happily swap their entire team and collection of assets for what Oklahoma City has built. Sam Presti's Thunder have 37 picks in the next seven drafts, a superstar in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and young stars led by Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams.
However, just like the Rockets, it'll be almost impossible to simultaneously develop that many high-end first-round picks at once and still allow SGA to perform at an All-NBA level. These picks will eventually need to be cashed in for a star, and Siakam might just be the best guy to chase for OKC right now.
Will the Toronto Raptors send Pascal Siakam to the Thunder?
With how many picks they have, Oklahoma City might be more willing to give up treasured first-rounders than other contenders. What's one draft pick when you have 37 others? Veterans like Lu Dort could also give Toronto enough of a short-term boost to avoid bottoming out completely.
OKC has the potential to build something special with Gilgeous-Alexander at the center of it all and Holmgren proving to be a perfect complementary piece. Siakam fits their desire for length and versatility while still being a tremendous scorer. If they want to go all in in the next few years, adding Siakam could give them a serious boost.