Sometimes, NBA teams play a game of “Will they or won’t they?”. At the moment, the Toronto Raptors are playing that exact game. The whole basketball world is watching. Is this team going to move Pascal Siakam?
We understand their reservations. Siakam was a key cog in this organization’s only championship run. By all accounts, he’s got a great relationship with the organization. At the same time, the Raptors roster Scottie Barnes. They’re remarkably similar players, and Barnes is considerably younger. Will they, or won’t they?
Will they trade him to the Atlanta Hawks? They’re the most commonly linked suitor for Siakam. Their interest in him makes sense enough as well. Here’s the best offer that we think the Hawks could make for Siakam.
The Trade Proposal
Toronto Raptors Receive: G/F De’Andre Hunter, F/C Onyeka Onkongwu, G/F AJ Griffin, F Jalen Johnson, 2024 First-Round Pick (ATL), 2029 First-Round Pick (ATL)
Atlanta Hawks Receive: F/C Pascal Siakam
Meanwhile, to some extent, the Hawks have been playing that game as well. Plenty of fans have speculated that the Hawks could make some big moves of their own. Some have suggested that they could trade Trae Young.
Typically, this speculation occurs for a reason. In the Raptors’ case, they’ve got Siakam’s replacement ready and waiting. That’s not strictly true for the Hawks. Sure, they have Dejounte Murray. Still, the Hawks acquired him to compliment Young, not replace him.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & Atlanta Hawks Updates
Does he compliment Young? That’s a different question. Still, the Hawks also have to consider age. Young is: well, young. Siakam is substantially older than Barnes. The Raptors certainly have a stronger incentive to move their star. Is this the right way to move him?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
The Raptors do this deal to clear the runway for Barnes. Partly. That’s obviously not the whole story. if they’re moving Siakam, they need good value in return. Luckily, that’s what they’re getting here.
Some Raptors fans may disagree. They’d prefer to move Siakam for more draft capital. Fair enough. Two first-round picks isn’t exactly a bounty. With that said, the Raptors are getting so much young talent here that they may not care.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & Atlanta Hawks Updates
Which young player highlights this return? We can’t even say – that’s part of what makes it appealing. Hunter, Onkongwu and Griffin have all flashed starting potential. Yet, Johnson may have a higher ceiling – if a lower floor- than any of them. If the Raptors want to put young talent around Barnes, this is a brilliant start. Should the Hawks send out all of this young talent?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
If the Hawks are going to keep Young, they need to put quality defenders around him. That’s where this deal starts. Siakam is an elite two-way wing. He’ll cover for Young’s relative shortcomings on that end to an extent.
With that said, the Hawks could use a little boost in playmaking as well. Sure, Young and Murray can handle a large bulk of those duties, but having an extra player on the floor who can make plays could make the Hawks even more dangerous. That’s another benefit in landing Siakam. He’s an outstanding playmaker at the 4 position.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & Atlanta Hawks Updates
Is this a large investment? You bet. The Hawks would have one of the worst collections of draft capital in the NBA following this deal. On the other hand, they’d have a core full of star talent and solid supporting pieces. That sounds like a good decision to us – now it’s only a matter of whether the Raptors will help the Hawks make it or not.
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