One NBA writer has proposed that the Toronto Raptors and Houston Rockets make a trade centered around power forward Pascal Siakam.
Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz is proposing that the Raptors trade Siakam to the Rockets for Jabari Smith Jr., Kevin Porter Jr., Jae’Sean Tate, and a 2023 first-round pick.
“With the Raptors in a bit of flux right now after missing the playoffs, selling high on Siakam before he becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2024 is the best long-term move for the franchise,” Swartz wrote.
Siakam averaged 24.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.8 assists this season for the Raptors while shooting 48.0% from the field, 32.4% from beyond the arc, and 77.4% from the free-throw line. The two-time All-Star signed a four-year, $136.9 million rookie contract extension with Toronto in October 2019.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & Houston Rockets Updates
The Raptors could enter rebuild mode this summer after firing head coach Nick Nurse. Toronto lost the 9-10 play-in game to the Chicago Bulls and didn’t make the playoffs this year.
“Smith, the No. 3 overall pick in 2022, came on strong at the end of his rookie season, while Porter could become Toronto’s new starting shooting guard if Gary Trent Jr. leaves in free agency,” Swartz wrote. “Tate gives this team some much-needed depth, and an extra first-round selection gives the Raptors a chance to package their own projected No. 13 pick in an attempt to move up in the draft.”
Siakam will make $37.9 million next season. He will become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2024. Pairing him with Houston’s young core could help the Rockets make a jump next season under first-year head coach Ime Udoka.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & Houston Rockets Updates
“Houston could chase James Harden in free agency to fill the starting point guard role with Porter Jr. gone, and this roster would still have Green, Alperen Şengün, Tari Eason, KJ Martin and others to build around or dangle as trade bait,” Swartz wrote.
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