For the most part, NBA media day comes and goes. Teams give their fans some platitudes. They’re doing the right things this year. They’re excited. Right. Wake us up when the season actually gets underway.
With that said, sometimes, a media day is actually eventful. Usually, that’s for all of the wrong reasons. If people are talking about a team’s media day, in all likelihood, something went wrong. Unfortunately, people are talking about the Toronto Raptors’ media day.
Masai Ujiri made some comments about last year’s “selfish play”. Apparently. Pascal Siakam took them personally. He responded by saying that he’s never been a selfish player. All told this is just one more reason why the relationship between the Raptors and Siakam could soon be drawing to a close. Could the Raptors send him to the Memphis Grizzlies?
The Trade Proposal
Toronto Raptors receive: G/F Luke Kennard, F/C Brandon Clarke, G/F Ziaire Williams, F Jake LaRavia, 2025 First-Round Pick (MEM), 2027 First-Round Pick (MEM), 2029 First-Round Pick (MEM)
Memphis Grizzlies receive: F/C Pascal Siakam
The Grizzlies’ media day was fairly underwhelming. Their fans must be thankful. After all, this team’s entire 2022-23 season was a media circus.
As a result, Ja Morant will begin the season serving a suspension. Dillon Brooks will spend the season on the Houston Rockets. Each of these guys drew negative attention for the team in different ways. Brooks was audacious on the court, and Morant was problematic off of it. Perhaps that’s why the Grizzlies opted to make a cultural shift this summer.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
That shift starts with acquiring Marcus Smart. He’ll replicate Brooks’ defensive intensity, but he’s a different personality. Make no mistake: last year was messy for Memphis, but once Morant is back, this team will still be dangerous. Would acquiring Siakam make them even more dangerous?
Why The Memphis Grizzlies Do The Deal
Absolutely. Siakam is a superstar. This is a playmaking combo big who can create shots for himself and others and guard multiple positions. He will make the Grizzlies a better squad.
That doesn’t mean it’s a perfect acquisition. Losing Kennard significantly impacts Memphis’ spacing. They’re also giving up on much of their future by moving Williams, Clarke, and the draft capital they’re losing. Once Desmond Bane’s extension kicks in, the Grizzlies will also be expensive. Are we sure about this?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Absolutely. The Grizzlies would likely start Siakam at the five alongside Jaren Jackson Jr. When they needed to go big, they’d still have Steven Adams to pair with either man. This trade gives the Grizzlies perhaps the most versatile frontcourt in the league. It should make them serious title contenders in the process. Should the Raptors help them improve?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
This is getting ugly. Siakam has been in trade requests for the better part of a colander year. Still, it’s felt more like a business than a personal issue. The Raptors have every reason to rebuild, and Siakam is in his prime.
Sure. Still, the Raptors could justify keeping Siakam and making more incremental changes. With that said, if there are personal issues between this player and this organization, it’s probably time for a divorce. It makes more sense for the Raptors to rebuild, and they don’t need negative energy around their young core.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
So, this deal has them rebuilding. The Raptors are landing two intriguing young players and three unprotected first-round picks here. It’ll make them a worse team next year, but it will prepare them for the future. Hopefully, their next media day will be a little less eventful as a result.
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