NBA fans are waiting. It’s all they can do. This is the offseason. There isn’t much happening at the moment. All we can do is wait – and watch.
There are plenty of situations to keep an eye on. This may be the slow part of the season, but there are rumors to watch. Some of them are explosive. There are situations afoot that could change the NBA in due time.
One of the most significant ones is the relationship between Pascal Siakam and the Toronto Raptors. By now, it feels obvious that the Raptors will move him. Recently, a trade has been described as “inevitable”. Could the Raptors finally send Siakam to the Atlanta Hawks?
The Trade Proposal
Toronto Raptors Receive: F De’Andre Hunter, F/C Onyeka Onkongwu, G/F AJ Griffin, F Jalen Johnson, 2024 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – SAC via ATL), 2028 First-Round Pick (Swap – ATL), 2029 First-Round Pick (ATL)
Atlanta Hawks Receive: F/C Pascal Siakam
Some fanbases have more to wait for than others. If you’re a Denver Nuggets fan, you’re probably resting easy. You might be bored, but if nothing else, you know your team isn’t likely to trade a core player.
By contrast, Raptors fans are on eggshells. This team is prominent in the rumor mill. Sure, Siakam is the biggest piece of their puzzle. Still, we’ve seen O.G. Anunoby in rumors as well. This team is generally seen as a strong candidate to blow up their roster.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Atlanta Hawks & Toronto Raptors Updates
With that said, the Hawks are another team to watch. Even Trae Young hasn’t been exempt from trade rumors. The Hawks could blow their core up. On the other hand, they could be buyers this summer as well. Could they push their chips in for Siakam?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
The idea of blowing up their roster may not appeal to the Hawks’ organization. This team just invested three unprotected first-round picks in Dejounte Murray. Are they going to give up on this core already?
If not, they need to strengthen their roster. The Hawks had a woefully disappointing 2022-23 season. There’s plenty of talent here, but evidently, it isn’t enough. The Hawks need to make a win-now move. Why not acquire Siakam?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Atlanta Hawks & Toronto Raptors Updates
He’ll give the Hawks a formidable Big Three. Between Siakam, Young, and Murray, they’ll have one of the most talented trios in the NBA. Meanwhile, Siakam’s strong two-way play makes him a good fit alongside Young. The Hawks need to surround the dynamic playmaker with stout defenders. Should the Raptors really send them one?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
It’s not hard to figure out why the Raptors would move Siakam. Largely, it’s got to do with Scottie Barnes. He’s a strikingly similar player to Siakam, and he’s considerably younger. Barnes may be the future of this organization.
After all, Siakam is nearly 30. It feels like it’s time to move on from him for the Raptors. If they agree, they’ll need a substantial return for him. In all likelihood, the Raptors would seek some combination of young players and draft capital in exchange for their star forward.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Atlanta Hawks & Toronto Raptors Updates
That’s what they’re getting here. Surrounding Barnes with shooting will be important from that perspective, Griffin may be the biggest prize here. Yet, Onkongwu could be their big man of the future, and Hunter is a solid young 3-and-D wing. Throw in an unprotected first-round pick and some additional draft capital, and the Raptors may not want to wait much longer to accept this offer.
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