Around the NBA, there are some sleeping giants. We’re not talking about the league’s contenders – those teams are wide awake. They know they’ve got a title window. We’re talking about teams who could be a move away from contention.
The Brooklyn Nets might be one of those teams. This team has a deep roster full of quality defensive players. They’ve got a ready-made second option in Mikal Bridges. What the Nets are missing is a star offensive creator. They need a first option.
Are the Toronto Raptors a sleeping giant? That’s a stretch. The Raptors look to be more than a piece away. After a disappointing 2022-23 season, the Raptors may be best off if they start rebuilding. Could they trade Pascal Siakam to the Nets as a result?
The Trade Proposal
Toronto Raptors receive: F/C Ben Simmons, 2025 First-Round Pick (PHX via BKN), 2027 First-Round Pick (PHI via BKN), 2029 First-Round Pick (DAL via BKN), 2030 First-Round Pick (BKN)
Brooklyn Nets receive: F/C Pascal Siakam
Of course, the decision to rebuild an NBA team doesn’t come easily. Teams don’t want to be too hasty in making that decision. On the other hand, they don’t want to wait too long, either. Otherwise, they may see their assets depreciate.
The Nets certainly wasted no time. This team dissembled their super team almost as quickly as they put it together. One moment, Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving were on the team. In the next moment, they were all elsewhere.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Brooklyn Nets & Toronto Raptors Updates
By contrast, the Raptors haven’t been quick to quit on this core. Perhaps they’ve been too slow. The Raptors just watched Fred VanVleet leave in free agency. They got nothing in return for him. Should they avoid the same fate with Siakam?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
Well, we can’t be sure there’s a risk of Siakam leaving. In fact, it’s been rumored that he wants to stay in Toronto. That’s not why the Raptors would do this deal They’d be putting Siakam’s wants to the side.
What should the Raptors want? Realistically, they should want to build around Scottie Barnes. Meanwhile, he and Siakam are remarkably similar players. The Raptors should move Siakam to clear the runway for Barnes. Of course, that’s not the only reason – there’s also the value the Raptors would get for Siakam.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Brooklyn Nets & Toronto Raptors Updates
Here, they’re getting plenty of value. Four unprotected first-round picks are as well as they’ll do for Siakam. Realistically, they’re receiving three for Siakam and one for taking on Simmons’ contract. Should the Nets give up so much draft capital for Siakam?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
Meanwhile, the Nets are in a unique situation. This team has one of the best collections of draft capital in the NBA. Yet, they don’t own their own picks for some time. The Nets owe their first-round picks to the Houston Rockets through to 2027.
So, they’ve got no incentive to lose. Therefore, they don’t have much incentive to hold onto their draft capital. The Nets aren’t going to be developmentally minded for the next few years. Why take on young players? They should package some of their first-round picks for a star player.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Brooklyn Nets & Toronto Raptors Updates
Siakam feels like the right star. His two-way dominance allows the Nets to keep their elite defensive identity. On the other hand, they could use his playmaking. If these players all click, the Nets could be serious title contenders next season. Keep an eye on the Nets – they might be a sleeping giant.
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