The Toronto Raptors made a blockbuster move trading O.G. Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn to the New York Knicks for RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and a 2024 second-round pick (via Detroit).
The Raptors essentially signaled for a youth movement bringing in Barrett (23) and Quickley (24) who fit Scottie Barnes’ (22) timeline.
Since the move went down, there are questions surrounding Pascal Siakam and what the Raptors will ultimately do with him.
He is set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer and many teams are reportedly interested in him.
According to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, the Raptors are expected to move on from their All-Star forward before the trade deadline:
“League sources expect Toronto to move on from two-time All-Star forward Pascal Siakam before the trade deadline.”
It would make a lot of sense for Toronto to ship off Siakam for more young assets and draft picks. This would officially usher in the Barnes era.
Siakam is in line for a max contract and if he makes the All-NBA team he would be eligible for the superman deal. Toronto committing to that over four-years when this team is not near title contention would set them back.
Meanwhile, there are a lot of teams on the market who could put together a package for Siakam.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Indiana Pacers are a team interested in Siakam. The Atlanta Hawks and Dallas Mavericks are other teams that have been recently linked to Siakam.
The NBA Trade Deadline isn’t until Feb. 8, 2024 so the Raptors have time to decide what they want to do. But given the recent trade of Anunoby and the rise of Barnes, it seems like it’s inevitable that the Raptors will get something done.
The Raptors don’t want to run the risk of losing Siakam in free agency for nothing either, just as they did with Fred VanVleet.
Next up for Raptors
The Raptors continue their west coast trip in Sacramento to take on the Kings.
The new-look Raptors are 2-0 and are looking to win three games in a row. If they do it will earn them a team dinner from head coach Darko Rajakovic.
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