The Toronto Raptors have got to make a decision on Pascal Siakam ahead of the 2023-24 NBA season. What will they decide? We’re not sure. It seems clear that this organization has lofty expectations about the return they’d receive in a Siakam deal.
At the same time, it feels like it’s time to move Siakam. The Raptors fell well short of expectations in 2022-23. They could justify getting younger and looking to the future.
Besides, moving Siakam would clear up some space to increase Scottie Barnes’ usage. Given his potential, he deserves that opportunity. Let’s assume Siakam gets dealt this summer. Here are three trades to make that happen.
Trade No. 1 — Atlanta Hawks
Toronto Raptors Receive: F De’Andre Hunter, G/F Bogdan Bogdanovic, F/C Onyeka Onkongwu, F Jalen Johnson, 2024 First-Round Pick (ATL), 2029 First-Round Pick (ATL)
Atlanta Hawks Receive: F/C Pascal Siakam
The Atlanta Hawks have been the team most linked to Siakam. It’s easy to understand why. At least, from the Hawks’ perspective it is. This team needs two-way stars to surround Trae Young with. Siakam’s ability to guard multiple positions would be a huge benefit to the Hawks.
Meanwhile, the Raptors could be swayed by this deal as well. Hunter is the type of 3-and-D wing who ought to bring the most out of Barnes’ playmaking. Moreover, with Jakob Poeltl a bit older than this team’s core, Onkongwu could be their big man of the future.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & Atlanta Hawks Updates
On the other hand, the Hawks don’t have much draft capital to offer. If the Raptors are focused on first-round picks, they could decline this deal. This next one ought to be a little more tempting.
Trade No. 2 — Orlando Magic
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
By contrast, the Orlando Magic have emerged as recent suitors for Siakam. We’re not so sure about the fit. After all, the Raptors would be moving Siakam to build around Scottie Barnes. Shouldn’t Orlando want to afford Paolo Banchero the same freedom? These are the last two Rookie of the Year winners.
Sure. On the other hand, Orlando may simply be focused on taking a step forward. They could run Siakam at the 5 alongside Banchero and Franz Wagner to assemble one of the most versatile frontcourts in the NBA.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & Orlando Magic Updates
Meanwhile, from the Raptors’ point of view, this is about Suggs and the draft capital. Taking a flyer on Isaac makes sense, but Suggs could be the long-term replacement for Fred VanVleet. Unless, that is, the Raptors wanted even more draft capital.
Trade No. 3 — Indiana Pacers
Toronto Raptors Receive: G/F Buddy Hield, G TJ McConnell, F/C Jalen Smith, G Andrew Nembhard, 2024 First-Round Pick (IND), 2026 First-Round Pick (IND), 2028 First-Round Pick (IND), 2030 First-Round Pick (IND)
Indiana Pacers Receive: F/C Pascal Siakam
There’s an interesting trend here. All of the teams with a rumored interest in Siakam are on the verge of being competitive. One might expect contending teams to be in the mix for Siakam. Perhaps that’s just the nature of the market. Most of the league’s top teams have spent their resources solidifying their cores.
Anyway, the Indiana Pacers could be a star away from joining those teams. This group looked competitive for stretches of 2022-23. A core group of Siakam, Tyrese Haliburton, and Myles Turner ought to get them back into the playoffs.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & Indiana Pacers Updates
By contrast, this deal will keep the Raptors out of the postseason. Still, there’s some value in acquiring Hield as a placeholder – in time, the Raptors will hope to acquire elite movement shooters on their timeline. This deal equips them with four unprotected first-round picks to pursue them.
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