As the 2023-24 NBA season rages on, we’re beginning to understand the league’s landscape. By now, we’ve got some idea of who teams are.
For some teams, that bodes well. For others, that’s a disappointment. The Golden State Warriors are one of the latter teams. They expected to enter this season with serious title aspirations. At this moment, they’re below .500.
The Warriors may need to make a major trade to contend for the championship this season. Yet, if they made that trade, they could return to the title picture.
That’s more than we can say for the Toronto Raptors. This team is at least a couple of pieces away from title contention.
Could they send Pascal Siakam to the Golden State Warriors as a result?
NBA Trade Proposal: Golden State Warriors Land Toronto Raptors’ Pascal Siakam
Toronto Raptors Receive: G/F Klay Thompson, F Jonathan Kuminga, 2026 First-Round Pick (GSW), 2028 First-Round Pick (GSW)
Golden State Warriors Receive: F/C Pascal Siakam, F Otto Porter Jr.
We may have a clearer picture of the league. Let’s not get carried away. The season is still young – teams still have time to turn it around.
At the same time, some underperforming teams have more potential to improve than others. We need to look at a larger sample size to determine where teams stand.
For example, the Raptors are roughly the team they were last season. The Raptors have talent, but it doesn’t seem to mesh. They’re not title contenders – even the playoffs would be a lofty ambition. We know who the Raptors are.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors, Golden State Warriors Updates
By contrast, the Warriors could improve. We’ve seen this team explode before. Still, it feels likely that they’re a move away from true title contention.
Is this the move?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
Moving on from Thompson won’t be easy. He’s been an integral part of a dynastic Warriors run. With that said, he is evidently past his prime. Thompson hasn’t been the same since a brutal injury. It may be time to move on.
If the Warriors are moving Thompson, they’ll likely receive a star in return. His contract is too substantial to receive anything less.
Why not Siakam? He’s an elite two-way forward with the natural basketball feel to fit into the Warriors’ motion system. What more can we say? Sure, the Warriors are below .500. They must know they’re still contenders.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors, Golden State Warriors Updates
Steph Curry is still performing at an MVP level. If the Warriors brought a star on board, they could get back in the title hunt.
Should the Raptors remove themselves from that hunt?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
The Raptors are already removed. Let’s face it – this team is far from contention. That’s not the only reason to move Siakam. His skill set is similar to Scottie Barnes’. The Raptors may help Barnes spread his wings by sending Siakam out.
They don’t do this deal to add Thompson. However, adding his expiring contract doesn’t hurt. If the Raptors want to extend O.G. Anunoby next summer, they must create some cap space. This deal helps the Raptors in that regard.
Still, they do this deal to add Kuminga and a pair of first-round picks. Adding Kuminga to a roster with Barnes and Anunoby will make Toronto wing heavy. That’s fine.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors, Golden State Warriors Updates
Kuminga is a score-first player whereas Barnes is more of a playmaker. With Anunoby’s off-ball chops, this trio could define Raptors basketball for a decade. In time, that could lead to seasons of title contention.
