Why The Toronto Raptors Make The Deal
The Toronto Raptors make this deal to do away with any potential redundancies between reigning Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes and Siakam. With this trade, they officially hand the keys to Barnes.
There’s some logic in that idea. Could having two big, dynamic playmaking wings eventually lead to one stepping on another’s toes? Should the Raptors rebuild around Barnes with the goal of eventually finding him a co-star that doesn’t operate so similarly to him?
Meanwhile, this deal could keep the Raptors competitive. If Julius Randle did regain his 2020-21 form, it would probably make them better. Nerlens Noel fills a position of need: he’d instantly become the best center on this team.
On the other hand, if Randle doesn’t find his footing north of the border, this trade will hurt the Raptors in the short term. That’s fine: they’re getting two first-round picks for their troubles. This trade gives them an opportunity to hedge their bets.
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That’s the benefit of receiving two quality veterans and two first-round picks in the same trade package. The question is, would the Knicks really give up so much to land Siakam?
