Raptors star forward Pascal Siakam seems to be on his way out of Toronto any day now, with rumors that a trade of the two-time All-Star and NBA champion is “inevitable”, per Mark Medina. Why does Toronto suddenly feel the need to rebuild and where could they move Siakam to?
Pascal Siakam: His Imminent Trade and Landing Spots
🏀 The Toronto Raptors crossroads with Pascal Siakam – plus the offer that’s come closest for the two-time All-Star
🏀 Where things stand with Damian Lillard and James Harden
🆕 Inside Pass at @TheAthletic: https://t.co/GlR01paqV2
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 8, 2023
Maximizing Value
Last month, the Toronto Raptors watched All-Star guard Fred VanVleet walk for nothing in return. VanVleet left for more money in Houston, cashing in on a new max contract. Less than five years removed from trading for Kawhi Leonard, winning a championship and watching him bolt for Los Angeles, the Raptors seem to be looking to learn from the past.
Siakam is on the final year of a four-year, $136 million contract. Due to make $37 million this year, Siakam has many futures on his horizon. Should he have made an All-NBA team last season, he would have been eligible for the designated veteran (supermax) extension the likes of Boston’s Jaylen Brown. However, he didn’t.
That possibility still stands for this coming year. But it comes at risk for the Raptors. If Siakam qualifies for the supermax, they can offer him over $100 million more than any other team. But what if he doesn’t? What if he has a similar season, can’t cash in on the massive contract, and decides he’d rather go elsewhere, take a little less money and compete for another title?
In this scenario, Toronto watches its third star in five years abandon them for nothing.
A Pascal Siakam trade is viewed as ‘inevitable,’ per @MarkG_Medina
“It seems inevitable the Toronto Raptors will deal Siakam. …They expect a strong deal for return in the form of quality rotation players, expiring contracts and draft picks, all qualities that help accelerate a… pic.twitter.com/LelaqUxZ4C
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 8, 2023
Harsh Reality
Toronto simply cannot afford to fall into this universe. So, what do they do? They move him either now or at some point before the February trade deadline.
A Raptors rebuild in which next summer sees them lose Siakam, OG Anunoby and Gary Trent Jr. followed by Scottie Barnes’ and Chris Boucher’s contracts expiring in 2025 could put the franchise in a dark place.
Flipping Siakam now for some combination of young pieces, expiring contracts and draft capital is a much better scenario. It gives them the flexibility to develop young players, acquire cap space and stockpile draft picks to expedite a rebuild. With that being said, here are some teams that could land Siakam.
Landing Spots
Atlanta Hawks
According to Shams Charania, Atlanta has been the most aggressive buyer so far, offering DeAndre Hunter, AJ Griffin and draft picks to Toronto. The Raptors have declined this offer, upping the ante for what they want in return for their homegrown star.
There’s still a world where Atlanta bolsters their pitch, adding more draft picks or young, expiring deals like Onyeka Oknongwu, Jalen Johnson or Saddiq Bey. The Hawks are looking for their third star, have just cleared cap space following the John Collins trade and want to pair a forward with Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. Siakam is a great fit.
Dallas Mavericks
A Mavericks trade for Siakam could be the most intriguing. They have a cluster of big forwards/centers on expiring contracts that could benefit the Raptors should they move on for Siakam.
Names like Dwight Powell, Javale McGee, Richaun Holmes and Maxi Kleber could interest Toronto. There are also some guards in the mix like Josh Green, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Jaden Hardy that may convince the Raptors. A lineup including Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving and Siakam alongside many other talented pieces could make the Mavericks real contenders.
Oklahoma City Thunder
For every disgruntled star’s potential landing spots from now until 2035, I’m going to put the Thunder. They have a slew of both young pieces and draft picks. They have so much young talent, they’re going to have to cut a few names that could contribute elsewhere. Instead of doing that, package a few guys, throw in some of the draft picks being hoarded and get an experienced star to help grow the team.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have 20 players currently on standard contracts
By the beginning of the regular season, they will have to trim down the roster to 15 players
This means 5 players will be cut or traded from this bunch
Who do you think gets let go? ⬇️ (comment 5 below) pic.twitter.com/tBrkO0x4EF
— Utility Sports (@_utilitysports) July 28, 2023
An NBA champion like Siakam could catapult the Thunder into playoff status and help to develop the long list of youngsters seemingly waiting their turn. Don’t wait, use your assets to compete.
Tough Decisions
Although it seems the Raptors are headed towards trading Siakam, there are many possibilities at play. No matter what they do, they’re looking to maximize their output. Whether that’s what they can get out of him or what they can get for him. The coming weeks or even days will reveal Pascal Siakam’s future.
