Pascal Siakam’s name keeps coming up in trade rumors.
It feels like it’s only a matter of time until Siakam and the Raptors part ways as reported by Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes.
What is making things difficult for Toronto to trade Siakam is him being on an expiring contract.
Siakam is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, so if a team trades for him before the deadline, he can leave in the offseason.
Team may not be wiling to trade top value for someone who could end up being a rental.
One team that has come up a ton in the Siakam trade rumors is the Indiana Pacers.
Per HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the Pacers have had extensive conversations about trading for Siakam:
“The Pacers had extensive conversations at the G League Showcase in Orlando about this (trading for Siakam). I think Indiana has some of the best assets to offer.”
The Raptors reportedly want Bennedict Mathurin or Jarace Walker in any trade with Indiana. However, the Pacers are not interested in trading away their young talent for a player they can sign as a free agent this summer.
Siakam would make a lot of sense for Indiana since he with Haliburton could bring the Pacers to the next level in the East.
But if the Pacers aren’t aggressive about making a win-now move, they can simply wait until the offseason to try and sign Siakam then.
It’ll be interesting to see how Masai Ujiri navigates this situation and if he is able to strike a favourable deal involving Siakam.
If not, the Raptors could run the risk of losing him for nothing this offseason.
Raptors turned down first-round pick in O.G. Anunoby trade
If the Raptors do trade Siakam, expect them to get back young players with star upside which is something they’re reportedly looking for.
The Raptors turned down a first-round pick from the New York Knicks in the deal for O.G. Anunoby and wanted Immanuel Quickley in the deal instead.
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