Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam has been heavily involved in NBA trade rumors over the past calendar year or so. Most recently, the Sacramento Kings have come up as a potential landing spot.
Despite all of these rumors, it does not look like Siakam is going anywhere. According to Chris Haynes of Turner Sports, Siakam would not sign a long-term extension with any team who acquires him and prefers to remain with the Raptors.
Siakam, 28, is entering the final year of his contract. He’s set to earn $37.89 million. At this point, it stands to reason that no team is going to pay a premium for a player who might only suit up for one season before entering free agency in the summer of 2024.
It’s interesting to look at. There was seemingly a rift between Siakam and the Toronto Raptors’ front office, led by Masai Ujiri, this past season. That’s what helped expedite rumors of a potentil divorce.
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Coming off a down season, the Raptors also fired head coach Nick Nurse. This seemed to suggest a rebuild would be in the cards up north.
- Pascal Siakam stts (2022-23): 24.2 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 5.8 APG, 48% shooting
A you can see, Siakam is one of the best forwards in the game. Running it back with him could make sense if the Toronto Raptors are able to re-sign fellow star Fred VanVleet in NBA free agency. High-scoring wing Gary Trent Jr. already opted in to his contract for the 2023-24 season, too.