After Toronto moved free agency OG Anunoby to New York in a deal that returns RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quckley to Canada, we have our answer. Scottie Barnes, the Raptors’ main source of open shots this season, is the focal point of Toronto’s roster reorganization.
This implies that Toronto is still trading, as a move involving Pascal Siakam is imminent. It is almost guaranteed by the Anunoby trade. Extension negotiations with Siakam broke down prior to the season, and both were scheduled to become free agents (Anunoby was never going to sign an extension for financial reasons). Their respective futures with the Raptors were in jeopardy. It’s something that Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports and Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN both written from Picher.
Personnel in the League are undoubtedly ready for a Siakam trade to happen. Siakam was the Toronto veteran that opposing executives predicted would be dealt before this past weekend’s transaction, especially since the organization almost traded Siakam to the Atlanta Hawks this summer, according to league sources who spoke to Yahoo Sports.
The Pacers, Hawks, and Kings have all reportedly expressed interest in Siakam, a 29-year-old All-NBA wing who can play on almost any team. This season, he is averaging 21.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. He excels in transition and has a great teardrop when passing or finishing at the rim, but his poor shooting (24.8% from three this season on 3.6 tries per game) has long held him back. Siakam is a good team defender who struggles when he has the ball
If Siakam informs a team he wouldn’t re-sign with them, they won’t deal much for a rental, thus he has some power over where he might be headed. Because of his youth and defense, Anunoby was valued by more teams, although Siakam’s supporters are widespread in the league. There’s going to be interest, but the real question is: How much are teams ready to give up in exchange for him?
The Bulls’ attempts to transfer Zach LaVine won’t be aided by adding Siakam to the trade market because Siakam is a more versatile player and his contract is negotiable.
