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Toronto Raptors All-Star Pascal Siakam has been reported as a potential trade candidate this offseason by The Athletic‘s John Hollinger, and the Golden State Warriors are mentioned in particular as a suitor.
Armed with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, there’s no telling what Toronto could do after missing the playoffs this past season. Here’s a look at three ideal Pascal Siakam trade scenarios, including what a deal with the Warriors could look like.
Pascal Siakam to Detroit Pistons as Raptors retool roster
- Raptors get: Killian Hayes, Jerami Grant and Cory Joseph
- Pistons get: Pascal Siakam
We could see something truly wild if these two teams were to have a mutual interest in this scenario and wanted to swap draft picks at Nos. 1 and 4 overall. However, considering that the Pistons are still in the midst of a clear rebuild, they’ll probably want their pick of all the prospects in the draft.
From Detroit’s perspective, this trade would be a huge win. Siakam has such a higher ceiling than Grant at forward, and getting to plug him in with Saddiq Bey, Isaiah Stewart and, say, Cade Cunningham? Sounds like a fantastic group to build around.
But it’s not like the Raptors are walking away with nothing here. Joseph is a defensive depth piece who’s played in Toronto before, and would be an ideal addition, especially as Kyle Lowry hits free agency.
Then you’d have 2020 lottery pick Killian Hayes going to a situation where he’d be set up for success instead of being burdened to carry a struggling franchise. Hayes seems like more of a complementary piece on a championship core, which is what he’d be North of the Border.
Pascal Siakam to Golden State Warriors: Death Lineup gets a makeover
- Raptors get: Andrew Wiggins, James Wiseman, Nos. 7 and 14 overall picks
- Warriors get: Pascal Siakam and No. 4 overall pick
Not only is this trade cool in the sense that Andrew Wiggins was born in Toronto and could have the mother of all homecomings, but this swap actually benefits both sides.
James Wiseman seems to have limitless potential, yet the second overall pick from last year’s draft is a bit of a strange fit with Golden State. If he were to go to the Raptors and unleash havoc in the frontcourt next to Chris Boucher, Wiseman could be absolutely dominant.
Getting two lottery picks, Wiseman, and Wiggins to join OG Anunoby as a defensive stopper on the wing is well worth it for Toronto to bid adieu to its fourth overall pick and Siakam.
The Death Lineup first made famous by the Warriors in the 2015 NBA Finals could take on a new life if Siakam heads their way. You’d have Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Siakam and either Jordan Poole or the high-lottery rookie Golden State would draft.
That’s lethal on paper, indeed. With rumors linking Siakam to the Dubs, let’s see if they actually pull this off.
Pascal Siakam to Portland Trail Blazers in Damian Lillard trade
- Raptors get: Damian Lillard and Robert Covington
- Blazers get: Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, No. 4 overall pick and 2023 first-round pick
The salaries and compensation match up between these teams in this scenario, but if Lillard is moved, it wouldn’t be a shock to see a third team enter the fray to facilitate a deal. Portland is going to want a huge haul in return. Even this generous offer from Toronto might not be enough.
But let’s say this is the situation. VanVleet joins the Blazers backcourt next to McCollum, who are both used to operating on and off the ball with success due to their playing next to Kyle Lowry and Lillard respectively. VanVleet is a more willing defender than Lillard, which would help the Blazers a lot in an area they must improve.
4 ideal Damian Lillard trade scenarios
Thanks to Siakam’s continually improving ability to facilitate the offense, he’d give Portland excellent frontcourt versatility and another star the franchise can rally behind. Plus, whoever would come aboard as the fourth overall pick in this year’s draft would presumably help the cause a lot.
Lillard would be going to an excellent, championship culture in Toronto with at least one teammate by his side in Covington, who’s an appealing trade chip since he’s on an expiring contract.
Another former Blazer, restricted free agent Gary Trent Jr., could sign to stay with the Raptors. Trent would definitely stick with Toronto if Lillard came to town, and the team would still have enough cap space to pursue another big name.