Where there’s smoke, there is typically fire. When you hear a rumor, take it with a grain of salt. On the other hand, if you hear the same rumor over, and over, and over…it might be time to believe it. The same holds true in the NBA.
Trade rumors are abundant. Often, they’re meaningless. On the other hand, when the same rumors keep popping up, they’re worth paying attention to.
With that in mind, plenty of rumors are surrounding Pascal Siakam of the Toronto Raptors. By now, it feels like they’ll inevitably trade him. The Atlanta Hawks have been the most prominent rumored suitors for him. Here are two deals to help them land him.
Trade No. 1
Toronto Raptors Receive: G/F De’Andre Hunter, F/C Maxi Kleber, G/F Josh Green, G Jaden Hardy, 2024 First-Round Pick (SAC via ATL), 2027 First-Round Pick (DAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (ATL)
Dallas Mavericks Receive: C Clint Capela
Atlanta Hawks Receive: F/C Pascal Siakam
If the Atlanta Hawks are going to land Pascal Siakam, they’ll probably have to move Clint Capela. Keep that in mind. Otherwise, they don’t have a valuable enough package to compete for Siakam. With that said, the rebuilding Raptors probably wouldn’t want Capela having retained Jakob Poeltl this summer. So, the Hawks need to find a third team with an interest in the big man.
That shouldn’t be difficult. Capela is a strong defensive big. For example, the Dallas Mavericks should be happy to part with a first-round pick to land a pick-and-roll partner for Luka Doncic who doubles as a defensive anchor.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors, Dallas Mavericks & Atlanta Hawks Updates
Presumably. With that said, the Mavericks are light on draft capital. If they get sticker shock here, the Hawks will need a different third team to facilitate. Could they look to another Texas team?
Trade No. 2
Toronto Raptors Receive: G/F De’Andre Hunter, G Devonte’ Graham, F Jalen Johnson, 2024 First-Round PIck (SAC via ATL), 2025 First-Round Pick (ATL via SAS), 2029 First-Round Pick (ATL)
San Antonio Spurs Receive: C Clint Capela
Atlanta Hawks Receive: F/C Pascal Siakam
The Atlanta Hawks would prefer the first deal. They should be calling the Mavericks before they call the San Antonio Spurs. After all, the Spurs won’t want to part with any of their intriguing young players. Unlike the Mavericks, the Spurs are rebuilding. So, for this to work for Toronto, the Hawks have to part with Jalen Johnson.
They should still do it. This is Pascal Siakam we’re talking about. As much promise as Johnson has, he hasn’t shown enough to be a sticking point here if the Hawks are serious about Siakam.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors, San Antonio Spurs & Atlanta Hawks Updates
Meanwhile, the Spurs might be looking for a big man to pair with Victor Wembanyama. Apparently, he wants to play the 4 as a weak-side shot blocker. It’s hard to think of a better primary rim protector to put alongside him than Capela. This is another rumor to keep an eye on.
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