Every NBA team will go through a rebuild. Your favorite team may be at the top now. Eventually, your best players will leave – if nothing else, they’ll retire. In time, your team will be rebuilding too.
With that in mind, it’s probably time for the Toronto Raptors to rebuild. This team has appeared to be stuck in mediocrity for a few seasons now. The Raptors should cut their losses and focus their attention on building around Scottie Barnes.
On the other hand, the Oklahoma City Thunder are done rebuilding. This team is on the rise. Eventually, they should consider consolidating their assets to make a push to title contention.
Could they do so by acquiring Pascal Siakam from the Raptors?
NBA Trade Proposal: Oklahoma City Thunder Land Toronto Raptors’ Pascal Siakam
Toronto Raptors Receive: F Davis Bertans, G Vasilije Micic, G/F Josh Giddey, F Aleksej Pokusevski, 2024 First-Round Pick (Top 4 Protected – HOU via OKC), 2025 First-Round Pick (Top 6 Protected – PHI via OKC), 2027 First-Round Pick (OKC)
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: F/C Pascal Siakam
Every rebuild won’t look the same, either. There’s always an inflection point – a team has to decide when it’s time to pivot. With that said, different teams will strike at different moments.
Look at the Houston Rockets. They were one of the worst teams in the NBA last season. They opted to cut their rebuild short anyway. The Rockets signed Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, and others this summer.
As a result, they’ve been a much more competitive team. Still, there are some concerns about whether that shift is best for the development of their young players.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
Either way, Thunder fans don’t love what they’re seeing from Houston. They own their pick, and at this rate, it will inevitably fall outside of the lottery.
Should the Raptors take that pick in exchange for Siakam?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
Sure. After all, the Rockets are far from the top of the league as well. In all likelihood, their selection will land in a range that allows the Raptors to select a useful rotation player.
Besides, they’re getting a lot more than one pick here. The Raptors are getting three first-rounders in total. Granted, two are protected. That’s fine.
Houston’s pick is virtually assured to convey, and the Sixers’ is likely to do the same. Meanwhile, the Raptors are bringing in some interesting young players hear as well.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
Giddey has been plagued by off-court issues this year, but he’s still got tremendous upside. Pokusevski is a project, but the potential is still there.
Should the Thunder part with either?
Why The Oklahoma City Thunder Do The Deal
Off-court issues aside, Giddey doesn’t seem like an optimal basketball fit with this core. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the primary ball-handler, Jalen Williams is the alpha scorer, and Chet Holmgren needs touches. Where does that leave Giddey?
Related question: where would it leave Siakam? Well, Siakam can impact the game without the ball. He’s an inconsistent shooter, but he’s more effective than Giddey.
More significantly, Siakam is an outstanding defender. Giddey is a liability on that end of the floor. Siakam is one of the best two-way wings in basketball.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
The Thunder do this deal to add a star to their young core and make a push for the NBA title. This team’s rebuild is over – it’s time for them to make it official.
