Out of every team in the NBA, the New York Knicks may be the most frequently linked to stars. The Knicks are always in the rumor mill. If a star is said to be available, the Knicks are said to want them.
It makes sense. The Knicks play in the biggest market in the NBA – they drive a lot of engagement. Moreover, the Knicks have the assets to get a deal done. If they want to acquire a star player, they’ve got a good chance of doing exactly that.
So, Pascal Siakam of the Toronto Raptors is potentially available. Recently, it’s been rumored that the Knicks are interested in landing them – and of course it is. Still, it’s possible that there is truth in these rumors. If so, here’s what we think a deal could look like.
The Trade Proposal
Toronto Raptors Receive: G/F RJ Barrett, G/F Evan Fournier, G Immanuel Quickley, 2026 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2028 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2028 First-Round Pick (NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: F/C Pascal Siakam
The Knicks may be frequently linked to stars. They don’t always land them. In fact, the Knicks have a recent history of angling for stars that they didn’t end up acquiring.
Remember when Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving took their talents to New York? Of course, they didn’t join the Knicks. The star duo was rumored to be considering them, but they opted for the Brooklyn Nets. Meanwhile, the Knicks were widely expected to acquire Donovan Mitchell last summer – before he joined the Cleveland Cavaliers.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & New York Knicks Updates
Don’t cry for the Knicks. It’s all worked out nicely. Look how Durant and Irving worked out in Brooklyn – why would it be any different for the Knicks? Meanwhile, the Knicks beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2022-23 playoffs. Should the Knicks really make a move for a star now?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
Well, it depends. Does this work basketball-wise? Is Siakam a good fit with the Knicks? Well, it’s certainly a bold choice. The Knicks have their 5 and 4 set. Julius Randle has mostly played like a star for them in recent years, and Mitchell Robinson is one of the best defensive bigs in the NBA. Where is the room for Siakam?
The Knicks can find it later. Perhaps they’ll run a jumbo-sized lineup. Siakam should have the mobility to play the 3 and help the Knicks overwhelm opponents with size.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & New York Knicks Updates
Alternatively, they could trade Robinson elsewhere and a play a modernized lineup with Siakam at the 5. Should the Raptors afford the Knicks so much versatility?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
The Raptors are widely expected to move Siakam this summer. It’s not difficult to figure out why. They had an underwhelming 2022-23 season. Meanwhile, Siakam is extremely similar to the much younger Scottie Barnes.
Is this the right move? That’s a different question. Like Siakam in New York, Barrett isn’t an obvious fit with this roster. Are the Raptors acquiring him to replace O.G. Anunoby? Not likely. Instead, the Raptors would stick Barrett at the 2. That would give them a lot of size and versatility in their own right.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & New York Knicks Updates
Meanwhile, the fact that Barrett is Canadian should be a selling point for Toronto as well. Throw in three unprotected first-round picks, and this might be enough for the Knicks to finally land a star.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
