There is a lot of pressure for the Toronto Raptors to bounce back after a disappointing 2022-23 season.
Heading into the 2023-24 season, O.G. Anunoby and Pascal Siakam are set to become unrestricted free agents next summer. Both found themselves in heavy trade rumors in the offseason.
Despite some pressure to make some changes to the roster, the front office decided to make a head coaching change. The decision was made to let go of Nick Nurse and bring in Darko Rajakovic.
Struggling to find consistency, the Raptors may find themselves back in trade rumors once again. If things don’t turn around soon, O.G. Anunoby and Pascal Siakam may be on the move.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, teams believe that the Raptors will finally make a move:
“But Toronto has lost three games in a row, stands 9-13 on the season and has left teams believing that now, more than ever, either Siakam or Anunoby could be traded by the Feb. 8 deadline.”
Charania reveals that three teams could be interested in Toronto’s two key players and he believes Siakam is more likely to be dealt than Anunoby:
“Teams such as the Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings and Indiana Pacers are expected suitors for Siakam or Anunoby but believe Siakam appears to be the likelier player to be dealt, league sources tell The Athletic. “
Anunoby has a sought-after skillset being a 3-and-D wing and Siakam is a versatile, scoring power forward, who can help many contending teams. If not, Ujiri will have to open up the pocketbooks and both players will most likely want the max, or near max money.
While Masai Ujiri has been reluctant to make trades involving the core of the team, he will be faced with that decision once again.
This may be the beginning of a potential rebuild, but both Siakam and Anunoby will warrant a solid return.
NBA Insider suggests Heat could have interest in Anunoby or Siakam
While the Kings, Hawks and Pacers were mentioned as potential suitors, there will seemingly be more teams interested.
Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix believes that the Miami Heat may be a team involved in the Anunoby or Siakam sweepstakes.
After striking out on Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday, this may be the chance for the Heat to add another quality player to their core.
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