Does this trade make sense for the Toronto Raptors?

The Toronto Raptors should definitely try and leverage Pascal Siakam now not only because Scottie Barnes has emerged as a Rookie of the Year candidate in the frontcourt, but because this team is not in a position to compete for a championship anymore. 

Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam and others make up a strong core group in Toronto, but they have no depth on their bench, the Raptors have not looked strong defensively like they normally do and a small rebuilding process is going to have to occur for them to gain more sustainable, young talents. 

If they can get a lot of value and future assets for Siakam now, then the Raptors should be interested in a potential deal, but at the same time, they should not be looking to trade him to another team in the Eastern Conference. 

The last thing this franchise wants to have happen is Pascal Siakam become their kryptonite over the next several years and have to play him multiple times every single season, including possibly in the playoffs. 

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That is one reason why trading him to the Celtics would not make sense and the other is the financial stress this trade would put on the Raptors. Smart’s contract is a lot to invest in through 2025 and with Horford’s contract being 50% guaranteed for next season, they would have no room to make any big offseason acquisitions for their roster. 

If Boston was willing to include guys like Aaron Nesmith and/or one or two first-round draft picks instead of Langford, maybe this is a deal Toronto would show more interest in, but it is very hard to believe that the Raptors would want to trade Siakam to the Celtics.