Amid the trade speculation between Damian Lillard and James Harden, one player who has flown under the radar in trade rumors is Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam. In a time of uncertainty in the North, the Raptors reportedly engaged in discussions with the Atlanta Hawks. Now, there’s one player who is reportedly off the table in Atlanta.
NBA Rumors: Latest on Pascal Siakam Trade Talks Between Raptors and Hawks
Background
The talks surrounding Siakam’s future in Toronto began intensifying in August, with Shams Charania reporting that the two sides did not agree to an extension as the Raptors mulled their future. The Raptors already lost Kawhi Leonard and Fred VanVleet for nothing in recent years. They cannot afford to do the same with Siakam.
Siakam had a career year for the Raptors. He averaged 24.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game on 48/32/77 splits. He’s also in the final year of his four-year, $136 million contract. With no current plans for an extension, the Raptors could look to receive maximum value if they decide to rebuild after all.
The Hawks—who moved on from John Collins via trade earlier this summer—appeared to be (and still are) the logical destination. According to HoopsHype, the Raptors and Hawks discussed a Siakam deal that centered around De’Andre Hunter, AJ Griffin and draft compensation—but those talks “never materialized.” More recent reporting indicates that Atlanta is unwilling to part with rookie guard Kobe Bufkin, who Atlanta drafted 15th overall in June.
Kobe Bufkin and his Potential
Snyder is understandably high on Bufkin, who averaged 14 points per game on 48/35/85 splits in his sophomore year at Michigan. He was on a tear in his final eight contests—a blistering 19.3 points per game on 45 percent from deep. He’s a combo guard who can thrive both on and off the ball, making plays or cutting to the basket. Bufkin also excels on defense, known as a point-of-attack defender with high intensity and discipline.
Bufkin immediately fills a role as Trae Young’s backup, adding immense value to Atlanta’s guard depth and potentially contributing as a three-point marksman. Last season, the Hawks finished 21st in three-point percentage (35.2 percent). However, their bench performed well, shooting nearly 38% from deep (fifth in the NBA). Adding an efficient, high-volume shooter in Bufkin will serve the Hawks well. Also, Bufkin’s development in playmaking will be a major boost to the Hawks’ bench—who finished 27th in assists per game (6 APG). With his impact and high potential, it’s understandable why the Hawks prefer to keep Bufkin in “the A.”
Where Raptors and Hawks Go From Here
With the Raptors still eyeing a proper return for Siakam, it makes sense to go after young assets and draft capital that can help in a potential rebuild. They could either contribute immediately or be traded into a better situation.
Bogdan Bogdanovic Rumor
HoopsHype also added Bogdan Bogdanovic as a name to watch in trade talks with Toronto. He averaged 14 points per game this season on 44% shooting from the field and 40% from three. For the Raptors—who finished 28th in three-point percentage (33.5%) —adding him would be ideal. However, his recent injuries are concerning. Bogdanovic recently signed a four-year, $68 million extension with the Hawks in March.
No matter the framework, Bogdanovic and his $18 million salary would have to be included to get close to Siakam’s $37 million. If he becomes the centerpiece of any deal with Toronto, the Hawks must be mindful of how a trade could impact their forward depth—especially if it happens early on in the season.
The Last Word
The latest developments between the Hawks and Raptors only confirm the interest in working toward a deal. Whether something materializes remains to be seen, but sending Siakam to Atlanta and Bogdanovic to Toronto makes sense for both sides.
