At the moment, there are plenty of interesting situations around the NBA. Perhaps none are as interesting as the Toronto Raptors.
There are no trade requests here. No superstar is reportedly unhappy. Yet, the Raptors are rumored to at least be considering trading Pascal Siakam anyway. That makes sense. Toronto had an underwhelming 2022-23 season. It would be logical for them to move SIakam in an effort to start building around Scottie Barnes.
Perhaps that’s why there is widespread interest in him around the NBA. By now, you’ve seen the rumored suitors. The Raptors are expected to trade Siakam to one of the Atlanta Hawks, Orlando Magic, Indiana Pacers, or Oklahoma City Thunder. Could he have any dark horse suitors?
Memphis Grizzlies
In a way, the Memphis Grizzlies make sense. This team needs a wing to replace Dillon Brooks. Siakam is a wing. Why would they be a dark-horse suitor? Well, Brooks is a 3 who can play the 4. Siakam is closer to a 4 who can play the 5.
These are very different players. Siakam is a strong defensive playmaker, but he’s not as gifted at the point of attack as Brooks. Meanwhile, he’s clearly in a different league as an offensive player.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
So what? This isn’t about replacing Brooks. It’s about adding Siakam. If the Grizzlies acquired him, they’d have one of the most talented teams in the NBA. They could bump Jaren Jackson Jr. up to the 5 and field one of the most versatile defensive frontcourts in the NBA. The Grizzlies may be dark horse suitors, but that doesn’t mean that they should be.
Brooklyn Nets
Meanwhile, we could say the same for the Brooklyn Nets. Why aren’t they more heavily linked to Siakam? They should be. They badly need an offensive focal point.
Mikal Bridges flashed some strong shot-creating abilities last season, but he doesn’t profile as a number-one option. By contrast, SIakam is capable of handling that job description. Perhaps the Nets have similar positional concerns.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & Brooklyn Nets Updates
To be sure, this team has plenty of wings. We’re not concerned. The Nets can move Bridges to the 2 and keep Cameron Johnson at the 3. Adding Siakam at the 4 would make them a much stronger offensive team.
Golden State Warriors
What type of team should be looking at Siakam, and what type of team has the means of acquiring him? Well, the first question is easy enough to answer. A team should acquire Siakam if they want to compete for a title next season.
The Golden State Warriors fit that description. Moreover, Siakam’s ability to make plays for others would make him a sensible fit in this team’s motion system. Do the Warriors have the means of acquiring him? We think so.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & Golden State Warriors Updates
Undoubtedly, they’d have to part with Jonathan Kuminga. The Warriors should be willing to – they don’t seem to have any intention of featuring Kuminga prominently any time soon. If they’re looking to contend next season, they shouldn’t mind sending him out with some draft capital for Siakam. All told, they’re another interesting suitor to keep an eye on.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
