The Toronto Raptors traded OG Anunoby. NBA fans have been waiting for this moment. This move may only be a sign of what’s to come.
After all, the Raptors still roster Pascal Siakam. Some had suggested that even if they were rebuilding around Scottie Barnes, they could hang onto Anunoby. He’s young enough. On the other hand, it’s widely agreed upon that the team ought to move Siakam.
Doing so may be easier said than done. It’s been reported that Siakam may hesitate to re-sign with any team that trades for him. As a result, he’s a flight risk.
Could the Sacramento Kings make a move for him anyway?
NBA Trade Proposal: Sacramento Kings Land Toronto Raptors’ Pascal Siakam
Toronto Raptors Receive: F Harrison Barnes, F/C Trey Lyles, F Sasha Vezenkov, G Davion Mitchell, 2025 First-Round Pick (SAC), 2027 First-Round Pick (SAC)
Sacramento Kings Receive: F/C Pascal Siakam
Siakam’s unwillingness to sign an extension with another team is not making life easy for Toronto. With that said, star players aren’t known for making their team’s lives easier anymore.
In 2024, this is a situation that teams regularly face. It never used to be this way. Players would effectively play where they landed.
Sure, they’d hit free agency – but until that moment, they weren’t likely to control their destiny. Times have changed. Have they changed for the better?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings Updates
It depends on who you ask. The player empowerment era has certainly made life more difficult for general managers. With that said, players deserve to be empowered.
Should the Kings make a move for Siakam?
Why The Sacramento Kings Do The Deal
The Kings have a title window. It’s narrow, but it’s there. This team could be a piece away from making a serious run at the NBA title. Meanwhile, Siakam could be that piece.
So, who cares if he leaves? The Kings will have taken a risk. It will have been a failure if it doesn’t result in a deep playoff run. That’s fine – nothing ventured, nothing gained. The Kings can’t be afraid of failure.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings Updates
After all, Siakam would be perfect for this roster. The Kings could use one more playmaker and need two-way wings alongside Domantas Sabonis. Siakam meets both of those measures.
Should the Raptors part with their longtime star?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
The Raptors need to move Siakam. Not only is he off of their timeline, he’s also redundant alongside Barnes. Is this the right return for Siakam?
In a vacuum, it feels like a bit of a lowball offer. Unfortunately, the Raptors aren’t likely to get market value for Siakam. After all, he’s a flight risk.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings Updates
With that in mind, this feels like a fair return. The Raptors are still netting a pair of first-rounders here. They could also use Davion Mitchell as a member of their young core. If this deal is on the table, the Raptors should make it – the moment is long overdue.
