It’s rumor season around the NBA. Lately, we’re hearing all sorts of crazy stuff. A lot of it pertains to Pascal Siakam of the Toronto Raptors. He’s one of the hottest names in the rumor mill at the moment. Where will Siakam end up next?
It feels unlikely that he’ll stay in Canada. The Raptors seem intent on leaning into the younger Scottie Barnes and OG Anunoby. At this point, Siakam is blocking their path to higher usage.
So, he’s linked to all sorts of teams. Recently, and somewhat surprisingly, the Orlando Magic have joined that list. Here’s a deal that gets him there.
The Trade Proposal
Toronto Raptors Receive: F/C Jonathan Isaac, G/F Gary Harris, G Jalen Suggs, 2024 First-Round Pick (ORL), 2025 First-Round Pick (DEN via ORL), 2026 First-Round Pick (ORL)
Orlando Magic Receive: F/C Pascal Siakam
With that said, Siokam isn’t a new addition to the rumor mill. We went through this at the most recent trade deadline. In some respects, it’s hard to believe the Raptors would move Siakam. He was a pillar of the team’s 2018-19 championship team. What happened?
Well, Kawhi Leonard left. It’s been a gradual downhill climb for the Raptors ever since. Last season, the team missed the playoffs altogether.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & Orlando Magic Updates
Now, Fred VanVleet has departed as well. How will the Raptors improve in the short term? Arguably, it makes more sense for this team to lean into their youth and rebuild. Is this the right way to start that process?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
We think so. This deal represents a fresh start for the Raptors. Realistically, this team is overwhelmingly likely to move Siakam. He’s too functionally similar to Barnes. The Raptors need to put the ball in their soon-to-be third-year player’s hands.
If they do move Siakam, they’ll want draft capital. This deal satisfies that need. The Raptors are receiving three unprotected first-round picks.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & Orlando Magic Updates
With that said, the incoming players are interesting as well. Isaac is a gamble. If he pays off, this could be a coup for Toronto – and if he doesn’t, he’s on an expiring deal. Still, bringing in Suggs to replace VanVleet ought to appeal to a suddenly rebuilding team. Should the Magic end their rebuild?
Why The Orlando Magic Do The Deal
This deal was inspired by a rumor. Siakam to Orlando isn’t our idea. Frankly, it feels a little strange. If the Raptors are moving Siakam to put the ball in Barnes’ hands, why would Orlando acquire him to take it out of Paolo Banchero’s?
Well, let’s take a different perspective. Does this deal make the Magic a much better team? Absolutely. Perhaps that’s the only motivation the Magic need.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & Orlando Magic Updates
They’d certainly have an interesting team after this deal. The Magic would likely play Siakam at the 5 alongside Banchero and Franz Wagner. They’d have a platoon of playmaking wings who thrive on both ends of the floor. Perhaps that’s why this rumor is gaining some steam.
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