In the wake of the surprising OG Anunoby trade to the New York Knicks, Pascal Siakam appears to be next on the move. The Toronto Raptors are reportedly expected to continue exploring deals for the two-time All-Star, with several potential players rumoured to be on their radar.
NBA Rumours: Potential Pascal Siakam Trade Destinations
Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks have been named as suitors for Siakam since the offseason. One name repeatedly popping up in trade talks is breakout player Jalen Johnson, who the Raptors are reportedly significantly interested in.
The 20th overall pick in the 2021 draft is posting career numbers this year, averaging 14.6 PPG on 59.4% shooting, 8.1 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.0 SPG, and 0.9 BPG. Johnson picked up right where he left off after returning from a wrist fracture, which kept him sidelined for 14 games (during which the Hawks went 4-10). His two-way abilities, versatility, and defensive impact make him an appealing target for the Raptors.
Meanwhile, Siakam would be a significant upgrade to bolster the Hawks’ frontcourt. Being a third star could take some pressure off the 29-year-old and his co-stars. He offers value on both ends of the court and can help them improve from being a bottom-five defence.
However, Michael Sotto of Hoops Hype said Atlanta prefers to keep Johnson, a Most Improved Player candidate. Previous packages for Siakam centred around De’Andre Hunter, AJ Griffin, and draft compensation, but an agreement couldn’t be reached. Clint Capela’s name also came up after young backup center Onyeka Okongwu signed an extension. Even Dejounte Murray is rumoured to be up for grabs but is connected to other teams. Although, the Raptors want Johnson, and a deal seems unlikely to materialize without him.
Sacramento Kings
Another team continuously linked to Siakam is the Sacramento Kings, with Keegan Murray named the Raptors’ primary target. Sacramento is unlikely to part with its former fourth-overall pick, a young sharpshooter considered part of their core. Yet, the Kings have made blockbuster moves in the past, so a deal shouldn’t be ruled out yet.
Murray would provide Toronto with a much-needed three-point shooting boost, as they currently rank 25th in the league in 3P%, converting 34.7% of their attempts. The 23-year-old is also averaging 15.3 PPG, 5.3 RPG and 1.3 SPG. Moreover, the Kings trading for Siakam gives them an established Big Three and can help turn them into contenders.
If Murray is untouchable, then a deal would consist of draft capital and rotation pieces. Players like Kevin Huerter and Harrison Barnes are potential pieces, but they have less appeal. Some sources have dubbed Sacramento a “top landing spot,” as the addition of Siakam is appealing in a stacked Western Conference, but without Murray, a package is uncertain.
Indiana Pacers
The third long-time team interested in making a move is the Indiana Pacers. Jarace Walker, the eighth overall pick in this year’s draft, may become available for trade. The power forward has only appeared in nine games so far, as he has racked up numerous DNPs. He’s impressed with the G League but has yet to become a consistent rotation piece in Indiana, which could change in Toronto.
Outside of him, Buddy Hield is one of the most known players on the trading block. He’s a bit older but provides veteran experience and three-point shooting. Also, Obi Toppin and Jalen Smith are potential pieces. Both are young players who can give frontcourt depth and possibly develop into solid players.
The Pacers will likely make moves before the trade deadline to capitalize off Tyrese Haliburton’s All-Star level of play. They lack a strong second offensive option outside of him – a hole Siakam could fill. Indiana is already one of the best offences in the league, and the 2019 NBA champion is at least a 20 PPG scorer who can help alleviate defensive pressure off Haliburton and give a defensive boost. Overall, they have several assets the Raptors could consider, giving them some options to explore.
Dallas Mavericks
Finally, the Dallas Mavericks are the latest addition to the mix. They’ve done an excellent job at building a roster around Luka Doncic, but they still have a few more moves to make to improve from the sixth seed in the West. With rookie Dereck Lively II emerging as a solid center, they’ve shifted from targeting Capela to Siakam.
Some rumoured trade options are Tim Hardaway Jr., Richaun Holmes, Jaden Hardy, and Olivier-Maxence Prosper. Hardaway is the most prized player here, averaging 17.9 PPG, 3.3 3PM, and 3.4 RPG, and he is also a player they could flip. The other three would likely be bench options but have all flashed some potential, especially Hardy and Prosper.
The most significant downside of this trade for Dallas is sacrificing some of their bench depth. But Siakam would fit nicely alongside Doncic and Kyrie Irving as a third option. His versatility would complement the Mavericks in various ways as they push for a title.
The Last Word on a Pascal Siakam Trade
Siakam is set to become an unrestricted free agent next season. The forward is averaging 21.9 PPG, 6.6 RPG, and 5.1 APG and is starting to heat up after a slow start to the season. His numbers are down compared to the last few years, and it’s in Toronto’s best interest to trade him before they have a repeat of Fred VanVleet’s situation.
The goal for the Raptors is to build around franchise cornerstone Scottie Barnes. They acquired two solid young pieces in RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, but they have a few more moves to make. As the trade deadline approaches, more teams will likely enter the mix. Until then, Toronto has plenty of options to explore as they look to turn things around, and a surprise team could enter the sweepstakes. Ultimately, this is a team that is unpredictable and isn’t afraid to make bold moves.
