First, the Toronto Raptors traded OG Anunoby. Now, there’s a strong sense Pascal Siakam will be traded next.
The Raptors have become more willing to part with their two-time All-NBA power forward as the team falls further out of playoff contention in the Eastern Conference. With Siakam, 29, set to enter free agency after his contract expires at the end of the league year, the expectation is that Toronto will trade him now. The goal will be to recoup some assets instead of potentially losing their two-time All-Star for nothing later in the offseason.
Naturally, with Siakam proving to be a versatile scorer who can also offer a bit of a paint presence defensively, interest is expected to pick up as we draw closer to the Feb. 8 NBA trade deadline.
According to Shams Charania, there’s already one team that’s emerging in trade discussions for Siakam. Specifically, the Sacramento Kings are a “serious suitor” for arguably the biggest name on the trade block.
Yet, since Siakam’s contract will be expiring, he may not bring back as much of a trade haul as many other All-Stars would. Siakam has reportedly expressed an interest in reaching free agency, where he’ll be able to weigh all his options, before agreeing to a long-term extension with any team he may be traded to.
Siakam has a $37 million cap hit this season, which is the figure teams will have to keep in mind when exchanging salaries. Earlier in the day, reports suggested the Kings are willing to trade a trio of their rotation, with all of Kevin Huerter, Harrison Barnes, and Davion Mitchell reportedly on the trade block too. Perhaps some combination of those players can help get the conversation started for Siakam.
Related: NBA MVP race 2023-24: Can anyone catch up to Joel Embiid?