Recently, NBA teams hosted their media days. Some came and went. We heard about how hard the team has been working and what goals they have for the upcoming season. With that said, some other team’s media days were a little more…eventful.
Take the Toronto Raptors. Team president Masai Ujiri mentioned the team’s selfish play in 2022-23. Pascal Siakam seemed to take the comments personally. He replied that he’s never been a selfish player. It feels like there is turmoil within this organization.
Realistically, it’s felt that way for a while. We’ve already seen plenty of trade rumors surrounding Siakam. Given how the team’s media day went, we can assume that those rumors will persist. Could the Raptors send him to the Golden State Warriors?
The Trade Proposal
Toronto Raptors Receive: G Chris Paul, F Jonathan Kuminga, 2026 First-Round Pick (GSW), 2028 First-Round Pick (GSW)
Golden State Warriors Receive: F/C Pascal Siakam
By contrast, the Warriors’ media day was fairly uneventful. What else is new? We associate the Warriors with professionalism. Sure, there’s been turmoil around this team, too. Last summer, Draymond Green’s punch was heard around the world. Yet, somehow, the Warriors always seem to resolve their conflicts.
Of course, that was true of the Raptors for a long time. This team built a culture that was respected around the NBA. They won an NBA championship. What exactly happened here?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & Golden State Warriors Updates
Honestly, nothing atypical. The Raptors have been gradually falling apart since they won that title. This happens. The Raptors are simply going through the rebuilding cycle. With that said, this organization has been a little too hesitant to part with its players. They lost both Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet in free agency. Should they move Siakam before they suffer the same fate?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
We think so. It’s time for Toronto to rebuild. Meanwhile, Siakam may be blocking Scottie Barnes’ road to superstardom. They are functionally similar players, and any head coach is more likely to lean on the veteran.
With that in mind, could Kuminga and Barnes step on each other’s toes? We don’t think so. It’s not that a pair of playmaking wings can’t co-exist. Siakam is simply blocking Barnes’ ascension up the team’s pecking order. By contrast, Barnes and Kuminga can grow together. This deal may require the Raptors to move O.G. Anunoby, but that may not be an issue if they’re rebuilding.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & Golden State Warriors Updates
Kuminga is the centerpiece of this deal for Toronto. Still, Paul’s expiring contract is valuable to them, and his mentorship could also be. Throw in a pair of unprotected firsts, which could be enough for the Raptors to part with Siakam finally. Should the Warriors be interested in him?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
There will be concerns for the Warriors here. They’re giving up much value for a player on an expiring contract. Some will suggest that they can’t afford to make this deal. Respectfully, we disagree.
This is Pascal Siakam. Adding him would make the Warriors a superteam again. They can’t pass up on this type of talent grab if they want to win an NBA title. Moreover, the basketball fit is perfect. Siakam is a strong passer who should quickly pick up on the Warriors’ motion system. Meanwhile, if Golden State plays him at the 5 with Draymond Green at the 4, they could be unstoppable on both ends of the floor. When they need more size, Kevon Looney is still on the roster.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & Golden State Warriors Updates
Finally, trading for Siakam now would give the team an inside track on retaining him. Would it be easy? No. The Warriors may need to make additional moves to clear the cap space. Still, Siakam is good enough to justify a one-year rental for a title contender like the Warriors. If everything clicks, they’ll discuss defending a title during media day next season.
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