One NBA writer is proposing that the Portland Trail Blazers acquire All-Star forward Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors so superstar point guard Damian Lillard has more help on offense next season.
Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report proposed that the Blazers trade Anfernee Simons, Kris Murray, Rayan Rupert and Nassir Little to the Raptors for Siakam.
“The Blazers could have a shot to land Siakam with Simons as the main outgoing asset, provided they attach some young pieces like 2023 draftees Murray and Rupert, plus Little for some salary filler,” Hughes wrote. “From Portland’s perspective, swapping out Simons from a suddenly crowded backcourt for a two-time All-Star forward gives Damian Lillard a top-flight running mate—if only for one season.”
Siakam averaged 24.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.8 assists for the Raptors this past season while shooting 48.0% from the field, 32.4% from beyond the arc and 77.4% from the free-throw line. He’s one of the players in the NBA.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
The 29-year-old Siakam signed a four-year, $136 million rookie contract extension with the Raptors in October 2019. He can sign an extension this summer since he only has one year left on his deal. Siakam will make $37.9 million in 2023-24.
Pairing Siakam with Lillard could help the Blazers make the playoffs next season in the rugged Western Conference. However, it’s possible Siakam and Lillard would only be teammates for one season.
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report and TNT, Siakam prefers to stay with the Raptors and the swingman may not re-sign with a team who trades for him.
The Blazers need another star next to Lillard. Siakam, who has career averages of 17.0 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists, would undoubtedly make Portland a better team.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
However, he may not be fully engaged in Portland if his heart is still in Toronto.
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