One NBA writer has proposed that the New Orleans Pelicans trade for Toronto Raptors star Pascal Siakam, who has one year left on his contract.
Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report is proposing that the Pelicans send Jonas Valančiūnas, Larry Nance Jr., Dyson Daniels, Kira Lewis Jr., a 2024 first-round pick and a 2026 first-round pick to the Raptors for Siakam.
“While the Pelicans would lose size and depth at center in this deal, they could potentially expand their talent base to a championship level,” Buckley wrote. “How many teams have a trio on par with Siakam, Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson? How many have a fourth option with as much firepower as CJ McCollum? How many could afford to roster that quartet and still have significant role players like Herb Jones, Trey Murphy III and Jose Alvarado around them?
“Before injuries sank the Pelicans last season, they were ringing in the new year with the West’s best net rating and a top-five winning percentage. Enhancing that group with someone like Siakam, a two-time All-NBA honoree, could be the kind of move that puts the Pelicans firmly on a championship path so long as Williamson remains healthy.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Siakam signed a four-year, $136 million rookie contract extension with the Raptors in October 2019. He will make $37.9 million next season. The talented swingman averaged 24.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.8 assists last season while shooting 48.0% from the field, 32.4% from beyond the arc and 77.4% from the free-throw line.
Since Siakam has one year left on his contract, the Raptors are gauging his market value. The Indiana Pacers and Atlanta Hawks are interested in trading for the NBA champion.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Toronto lost the 9-10 play-in game to the Chicago Bulls and didn’t make the 2023 playoffs. Nick Nurse was fired as head coach and replaced by Darko Rajakovic and All-Star point guard Fred VanVleet left the Raptors for the Houston Rockets in free agency.
Siakam has career averages of 17.0 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists. He won the 2019 championship and the 2018-19 Most Improved Player of the Year Award.
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