Does this trade make sense for the Toronto Raptors?
This is not a deal that could have been predicted but it has gained traction recently. Pascal Siakam has been linked to the Sacramento Kings but it remains unknown if that is going to be possible. The Boston Celtics have pulled off some big deals in the past and this could be next on the horizon.
The decision to pass on Jalen Suggs in the draft makes one think that they were focused on another area. Kyle Lowry is now with the Miami Heat and Toronto could have used a replacement point guard.
Instead, they added a versatile forward in Barnes who can contribute on both ends. This sounds eerily similar to Siakam. Could this have been a replacement pick? Toronto would add some assets in this deal in the form of veterans and first-round draft capital.
Nesmith is a young talent that could develop in a bigger role. The Raptors have to do what it takes to get back to the top of the conference and this could give them a path.
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Sending Siakam to another contender in the same conference does not seem ideal but the Raptors would be able to ask for a bit more in this case. The leverage is in their favor and they could use it moving forward.
