While a lot of attention is on James Harden and Damian Lillard, it seems the Toronto Raptors may have the player getting the most interest in this summer’s NBA trade market.
The Toronto Raptors are at a clear crossroads this summer. Heading into this past season, the team was viewed as one of the better units in the Eastern Conference and a legitimate contender for a top-five playoff spot. And it is understandable why considering the talent on the roster and having a proven coaching staff.
Related: NBA trade tracker – Grades and analysis
However, that potential did not transition to a strong performance on the court during the 2022-2023 season. Stars like Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam reportedly clashed with younger teammates in the Toronto Raptors locker room and it led to a divide that head coach Nick Nurse was unable to repair. It ended up costing him his job and was likely why VanVleet took his talents to Houston in NBA free agency.
Now, the Raptors must decide how they want to proceed with their roster next season. Siakam and OG Anunoby are top talents with only one year left on their contracts, and the organization did not make any major additions that will help take them back to relevancy in the immediate future. All signs point to the team trading a top player to try and get the assets needed for a rapid rebuild.
Toronto Raptors likely to move star before Harden and Lillard markets close
For months, Anunoby has been at the heart of trade rumors due to his offensive potential and high-level defense. Yet, it seems like the Toronto Raptors are only willing to part with him for the proverbial King’s ransom. That is why a lot of speculation has shifted to two-time All-Star Pascal Siakam being the more likely player on the move.
Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden and Portland Trail Blazers great Damian Lillard have asked for trades, but there are limitations on potential deals for various reasons. That may have led to Toronto now having one of the most sought-after players on the trade market.
In a Monday Substack newsletter, veteran NBA insider Marc Stein reported that “Siakam trade chatter has begun bubbling at an increased rate” at the NBA Summer League, and there is a good chance he could be moved before both Harden and Lillard.
- Pascal Siakam stats (’22-’23): 24.2 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 5.8 APG, 32% 3PT
The Indiana Pacers and Atlanta Hawks have been linked to interest in the Toronto Raptors star, but Stein revealed that there are “other suitors” in the Pascal Siakam trade chase. The New York Knicks and Memphis Grizzlies likely could be those teams interested in landing the talented forward.