Raptors star Pascal Siakam has been the highlight of this trade deadline talks as multiple teams have shown dedicated interest in the player.
With quite a few options present, it is uncertain who the Raptors will choose to get into business with, considering they too want a valuable piece for the asset they will miss in Siakam.
Exploring Possible Trade Packages Involving Siakam
Siakam is known for his unique ability to control the game with his size and passing attributes. Apart from his ruthless foot movement, his vicious shooting ability has been crucial for the Raptors.
This has given the team much leverage over where they want to trade their beloved star. Teams from all over the league have shown their interest in Siakam and are ready to offer multiple players just to acquire the 29-year-old.
A very anti-climactic move would be the obvious extension of Pascal Siakam with the Toronto Raptors. The move would easily cement the star’s celebrity status with the Raptors fans, but it is unknown if either party wants the said extension. However, it is one of the many available options presented to Siakam and the Toronto Raptors.
While the Indiana Pacers are not willingly ready to trade any of their significant pieces such as Jarace Walker, the Raptors, rightfully wouldn’t agree to any compromise that doesn’t have Buddy Hield or Walker. The other teams in the same boat as the Pacers are the Pistons and the Nets and all three teams could offer the same level of competition to acquire the player if they chose to.
According to reports, the teams with the most chances are the OKC Thunder, the Dallas Mavericks, and the struggling Golden State Warriors.
The Mavericks would have to give the Raptors a trio of Grant Williams, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Josh Green for the Raptors to willingly send Siakam the other way. While guard defender Dort and Davis Bertans have to be included from the Thunder, the Raptors will be moved by the Warriors only if they receive any packages that consist of Jonathan Kuminga.
However, according to earlier reports, the Warriors were reluctant to include Kuminga in any deals but whether their stances have changed after the Warriors’ back-to-back blowout losses is unknown.
Warriors’ Interest in Siakam Intensifies with Kuminga as a Potential Inclusion
The rumored trade talks between Siakam and Jonathan Kuminga have been going ever since the notion that Siakam could be traded was known to one and all. A win-win trade for all parties involved, the trade signifies the perfect balance between growth and the need for a player fitting the description.
The Warriors are in dire need of change. A change not only in their roster but also a change in their mentality, their style of play, and most importantly a change in the Warriors’ constant reliance on Stephen. The potential acquisition of Pascal Siakam could change it all.
Currently playing for the Raptors, Siakam offers much-needed offensive spacing for the Warriors. Playing alongside sharpshooters like Klay Thompson and Curry, Siakam provides an offensive cover through which the Splash Brothers can move according to their will. While the return of Draymond Green is not known, the Warriors cannot wait until the four-time champion’s return and could seek the services of Siakam, who is a far better and more active star than Green.
However, it seems Siakam’s services will have to be traded for Jonathan Kuminga, a young star who has a very high potential. Kuminga has been a pivotal player for the Dubs. Being their positive in their negative stretch, there is no argument for the fact that the player has been overlooked in his time for the Warriors. A potential trade to the Raptors would only mean more game-time for the young phenom to thrive under the bright lights.
Pascal Siakam could be the change that the Golden State Warriors are looking for, but it comes at the cost of Jonathan Kuminga. The Warriors have tough decisions to make: Will Siakam be a Warriors player? Only time will tell.
What are your thoughts on the Warriors trade package? Where should Siakam be traded to?
