When an NBA superstar seems to be available, it creates a lot of noise. That player will be linked to all sorts of teams. Most of those teams will be title contenders.
Conventional wisdom dictates that rebuilding teams shouldn’t trade for a superstar. There’s a simple reason for that. A rebuilding team shouldn’t give up the amount of assets it will take to require a star. Typically, we expect teams to wait until they’re “ready”. On the other hand…why wait?
Isn’t conventional wisdom built to be challenged? Sometimes, a rebuilding team can decide they’re tired of waiting. They may opt to acquire a superstar in a bid to take a major leap forward. With that in mind, Pascal Siakam of the Toronto Raptors is seen to be available. Could the Detroit Pistons take a chance on him?
The Trade Proposal
Toronto Raptors Receive: G/F Joe Harris, F/C Marvin Bagley III, G Jaden Ivey, 2026 First-Round Pick (DET), 2028 First-Round Pick (DET)
Detroit Pistons Receive: F/C Pascal Siakam
On the other hand, a team’s appetite for this type of risk may depend on their recent history. If a team has built up some good faith with their fanbase, they may opt for a longer-term rebuilding process. By contrast, if a team has been struggling for a while, they can get desperate.
Nobody likes desperation. Yet, sometimes, it sets in. It’s easy enough for fans to beg for patience. Are they going to the games in the meantime? Is the organization losing money? Can the owner afford to be patient?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & Detroit Pistons Updates
These are questions that the Pistons must be asking themselves. This team hasn’t been relevant since the early 00s. The Andre Drummond era was an abject failure. The Blake Griffin era wasn’t much better/ Since losing Griffin, the Pistons have made their home at the bottom of the league’s standings. Could they acquire Siakam to get back on top?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
If you’re a Pistons fan, you’re probably steaming right now. Jaden Ivey, really? We understand. Ivey has flashed tremendous upside in his young NBA career. Is he the right fit for this Pistons squad?
That’s a different question. Ivey looks the part of a lead ball-handler. With that said, so does Cade Cunningham. Even Ausar Thompson is likely to demand some on-ball reps. In time, the Pistons may have to choose between this trio. Why not choose now?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & Detroit Pistons Updates
Of course, that’s not the crux of what the Pistons are doing here. They’re acquiring Pascal Siakam. He’s an elite two-way forward who can create his own shot and make plays for others. If everything clicks, adding Siakam could make the Pistons a playoff team – and they’ll still have plenty of young talent to boast. Should the Raptors put them in that position?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
If Ivey is a questionable fit with this Pistons roster, he’s the perfect fit for the Raptors. This team doesn’t have a surplus of shot-creating guards. As a matter of fact, they don’t have any. Ivey could be their point guard of the future.
In fact, the Raptors have a surplus of playmaking forwards. That’s likely why Siakam is seen as available in the first place. His overlap with Scottie Barnes is obvious. Meanwhile, O.G. Anunoby is a different type of player – and a more complimentary one. If the Raptors are choosing between their forwards, they should choose the older one.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & Detroit Pistons Updates
Let’s put this in simpler terms. The Pistons would be ending their rebuild with this move. The Raptors would be beginning theirs. Given their disappointing 2022-23 season, that would be a sensible decision for the Raptors. They just need the Pistons to break from convention.
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