The Toronto Raptors may end up becoming sellers at the end of the season despite the fact this organization has been just about everything to delay the inevitable. If that actually happens, Pascal Siakam or OG Anunoby might need to be on the move as they try to build a bench that is finally worth something.
If Siakam ends up on the move, the usual suspects (led by the Atlanta Hawks) should be considered as potential destinations. Anunoby is certainly less likely to be moved, but it shouldn’t be discounted if Toronto doesn’t feel good about their chances to retain him.
The Sacramento Kings appear willing and ready to commit to their current core of De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, which could lead Monte McNair to mortgage some of their future assets in order to acquire a third star. Shams Charania of The Athletic thinks Toronto could be the team that sates Sacramento’s desire.
Charania mentioned that Siakam, Anunoby, and Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine are among the stars the Kings are considering going all-in on. While this would be a risky move, their desperation could help the Raptors get a haul of young picks and players in a swap.
Shams on the Sacramento Kings: “I think this is the first time in a long time since Chris Webber was with the Kings that they just look at the Kings as a trade destination. They are going to be involved in every star player: Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, maybe Zach Lavine. … they… pic.twitter.com/LI8M8bNRnm
— Cameron Salerno (@cameronsalerno1) November 20, 2023
NBA rumors: Kings interest in Toronto Raptors’ Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby
While Sabonis may not be the greatest defensive center who ever lived, and Fox would still touch the ball more than anyone, it’s hard to see even the best defenses figuring out a way to stop the Lithuanian big, the speedy All-Star guard, and a player like Siakam all at once.
McNair, who traded first-round picks in consecutive years to acquire Kevin Huerter and offload Richaun Holmes, is not above paying a premium price for a player he believes in. Knowing that getting free agents to Sacramento is always a challenge, the Kings may try to improve this roster via trading.
In terms of assets, former No. 4 pick Keegan Murray should be at the top of Toronto’s wishlist. With a potential positional logjam in his future, Murray could be on the move. Throwing a dynamite two-way point guard like Davion Mitchell, a shooter like Malik Monk, and picks might be able to get a deal done.
Knowing that it is not financially possible to retain all of their free agents and with a roster that is very clearly starting to fray, the Raptors may have no choice but to get a potential contender like Sacramento on the horn as they try to rebuild.