At times, you’ve just got to go for it. Ask that person out. Apply for the job that you probably won’t get. Sometimes, NBA teams need to go for it as well.
Sometimes, that means making a bold trade. Some will say that the deal isn’t advisable. We’re talking about risky trades. They may not work out, but if they, do they’ll pay off in a big way. Could the Sacramento Kings go for it?
After all, this team enjoyed a playoff run last year. The Kings have got a lot of talent. With that said, it feels like this team is a major step away from title contention. A star two-way forward could go a long way for this group. How about Pascal Siakam of the Toronto Raptors?
The Trade Proposal
Toronto Raptors Receive: G/F Kevin Huerter, F Trey Lyles, F Keegan Murray, G Davion Mitchell, 2027 First-Round Pick (SAC), 2029 First-Round Pick (SAC)
Sacramento Kings Receive: F/C Pascal Siakam
By contrast, other times, you don’t want to go for it. It would be better to repeat. That’s not a reality that anybody likes to face. Still, if your self-esteem is in a fragile place, it might be best not to ask that person out after all.
Take the Toronto Raptors. This team missed the playoffs last year. They’ve got a lot of talent, but it doesn’t necessarily fit well together. This team is too far removed from title contention go make a push. In all likelihood, they’d do well to take a step backward.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Sacramento Kings & Toronto Raptors Updates
Will the Raptors do so? It’s hard to say. By all indications, the Raptors would prefer to keep their core together. On the other hand, plenty of observers feel that they’d be making a mistake. Could the Raptors see the light and send Siakam to the Kings?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
Why doesn’t this roster fit? Well, the Raptors suffered from a lack of floor spacing in 2022-23. This team has plenty of playmaking wings, but most of them are subpar shooters. This deal would change that in a major way.
With that in mind, it’s highlighted by Keegan Murray. He was a Rookie of the Year candidate this season. He looks the part of a strong 3-and-D wing moving forward. With that said, Huerter is a quality young player in his own right. He’s a knockdown shooter with outstanding positional size.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Sacramento Kings & Toronto Raptors Updates
Still, the Raptors need draft picks if they’re moving Siakam. In light of all the young talent they’re landing here, a pair of first-rounders ought to do. This deal helps the Raptors prepare for the future. Does it do enough to prepare the Kings for the present?
Why The Sacramento Kings Do The Deal
We almost included Barnes instead of Huerter. To be sure, he’s less valuable in a vacuum – he’d be involved to make the money work. In the end, we felt that the Kings would be depleting their forward rotation too much if they lost him. So, we’ve got Sacramento moving Huerter. They shouldn’t be opposed to doing so, either.
After all, they’re landing Pascal Siakam. He’s one of the best two-way wings in the NBA. His defensive versatility would be invaluable to covering for Domantas Sabonis’ limitations on that end. Meanwhile, the Kings would suddenly have three star-caliber playmakers between Sabonis, Siakam, and De’Aaron Fox. Adding Siakam could make the Kings title contenders.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Sacramento Kings & Toronto Raptors Updates
Would losing Murray sting? You bet. He’s got a lot of promise. With that said, this deal has the Kings in win-now mode. Siakam will impact their title odds next year considerably more than Murray. If this deal is on the table, the Kings may have to go for it.
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