Some teams are thinking about rebuilding at this point in the NBA season. They may want to start over if they’re falling short of expectations.
That said, not every team is in an optimal position to make that decision. Take the Atlanta Hawks. This team has fallen short of expectations. They could rebuild.
On the other hand, they sunk three first-round picks into acquiring Dejounte Murray last summer. Giving up on this team so quickly would be a failure.
On the other hand, the Toronto Raptors could more easily justify rebuilding. This team (mostly) has control of their draft moving forward. They also have a young franchise player in Scottie Barnes.
Could they send Pascal Siakam to the Hawks?
NBA Trade Proposal: Atlanta Hawks Land Toronto Raptors’ Pascal Siakam
Toronto Raptors Receive: F De’Andre Hunter, G/F Bogdan Bogdanovic, G/F AJ Griffin, 2024 First-Round Pick (Top 14 Protected – SAC via ATL). 2029 First-Round Pick (ATL)
Atlanta Hawks Receive: F/C Pascal Siakam, F Otto Porter Jr.
What’s the purpose of a rebuild? More than anything, the goal is to find a franchise player. Once a team achieves that goal, they build around that player.
The Hawks accomplished that goal. Trae Young is a franchise player. The Hawks have struggled to win with Young at the helm.
It’s worth noting that Young is a bit of a complicated player. He’s a defensive liability, so the Hawks have to put quality defensive players around him.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors, Atlanta Hawks Updates
Barnes may have the inverse problem. He’s a fantastic defender, but he isn’t likely to be one of the very best offensive players in the league. It’s Barnes’ two-way impact that makes him a potential franchise player.
Does this deal have the Raptors putting the right pieces around him?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
You’ve seen similar proposals to this one. The Raptors have been rumored to be shopping Siakam for some time. He’s got a contract extension coming up.
Meanwhile, he’s redundant with Barnes. It’s time for Toronto to move Siakam. In return, they should seek young players who complement Barnes. This deal checks that box.
Griffin is especially intriguing from that perspective as an elite shooter. Meanwhile, Hunter could either be a replacement for O.G. Anunoby or start alongside him and Barnes in wing-heavy lineups.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors, Atlanta Hawks Updates
Still, the draft capital is perhaps the most valuable part of this return for Toronto. The Sacramento pick will almost certainly convey, and a distant first from the Hawks is a valuable asset.
Should the Hawks give so much up for Siakam?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
You’ve seen similar proposals to this one. The Hawks have been linked to Siakam for some time. This is precisely the type of two-way player that can help Young.
Sure, the Hawks could go the opposite route. This team could rebuild. Again – they’d be playing catchup. After landing Murray for three unprotected firsts, the Hawks would be behind on the asset accumulation phase of a rebuild.
With that in mind, it may be more appropriate to make one last win-now move. That’s what they’re doing here. A core group of Young, Siakam, and Murray will be among the most talented trios in the NBA.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors, Atlanta Hawks Updates
Following this deal, the Hawks should be able to make a deep playoff run. If so, they won’t be thinking about rebuilding anymore.
