Welcome to the NBA’s offseason. Whether you like it or not, a star player on your favorite team may get moved. This summer, we’ve already seen some surprising names in the rumor mill. This is the NBA. Even if you think you’ve got a feel for what might happen, you should prepare to be surprised.
For example, nobody expected Darius Garland of the Cleveland Cavaliers to see his name in trade rumors. Yet, here we are. Apparently, the Cavaliers would consider moving him.
By contrast, Pascal Siakam of the Toronto Raptors has had his name in the rumor mill for a couple of years now. It would almost be more surprising if the Raptors didn’t move him this summer. Could they send him to the Cavaliers for Garland?
The Trade Proposal
Toronto Raptors Receive: G Darius Garland
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: F/C Pascal Siakam
Of course, fans seldom like to see their team’s best players get traded. That’s the nature of fandom. Fans get attached. Front offices can’t afford to do the same. Sometimes, trading a star player is what’s best for the organization.
In turn, that makes it best for the fans. Sometimes, people don’t know what’s best for them. We’ve all got advice that, at some point in our lives, we should have taken.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Cleveland Cavaliers & Toronto Raptors Updates
That doesn’t mean these teams need to make this trade, either. Garland is young, the Cavaliers could keep him. Meanwhile, the Raptors may prefer to make more marginal moves. Should they really send Siakam to Cleveland?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
Yes. If this deal is on the table, the Raptors should make it. This is about roster balance. Siakam may be the best player on the Raptors, but he’s not their most important player. That would be Scottie Barnes.
We’re not saying Siakam and Barnes can’t co-exist. We’re simply saying that these are two very similar players. It would be sensible enough to get Barnes a younger co-star who plays a different position.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Cleveland Cavaliers & Toronto Raptors Updates
Garland fits the bill. His ability to shoot off of the catch will complement Barnes’ playmaking abilities. Garland can also make plays for his teammates. Finally, he’s also a perfect replacement for the recently departed Fred VanVleet. Do the Cavaliers have room for Siakam?
Why The Cleveland Cavaliers Do The Deal
This is a clean fit for the Raptors. For the Cavaliers, it gets a little bit messier. After all, this team has plenty of frontcourt talent. How does Siakam fit in with Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley? Does it matter?
It may, or may not. The Cavaliers could do this deal with another deal in mind. If they’re moving Allen to bump Mobley up to the 5, this is perfect. At the same time, they could opt for a jumbo-sized lineup by putting Siakam at the 3.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Cleveland Cavaliers & Toronto Raptors Updates
Either way, they’re moving on from a small backcourt of Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell. We’ve seen such duos get exploited in the playoffs in the past: Don’t be too upset if the Cavaliers move one of them this summer.
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