Mavericks emerge as latest Pascal Siakam suitor
The Dallas Mavericks are the latest team to be linked with a potential trade for Pascal Siakam. The notion of pairing him with Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic is likely an enticing one. Siakam would provide a post presence and could help stem some of the team's defensive issues moving forward.
The report of Dallas' rumored interest comes via Jake Fischer of Yahoo! Sports, who was speaking on a recent episode of the "Locked On Mavericks" podcast.
“I can definitely say there have been conversations," Fischer said. "I know that to be true. And, I know there are absolutely people in Dallas who really think Pascal is a missing piece that could potentially pair with Luka [Doncic] and Kyrie Irving and all of a sudden you look up and the Mavericks are a legitimate contender in the West.”
The 29-year-old is in the final year of his contract and will become an unrestricted free agent in the summer. As such, the Raptors are under pressure to either trade their star player or re-sign him to a maximum contract. Dallas took a similar risk when acquiring Irving at the 2023 trade deadline. They may feel confident in their ability to convince Siakam to remain with the franchise long-term.
Still, the front office will also have an eye on the immediate impact Siakam could make. He would likely catapult the Mavericks into contention. They would have a legitimate big three, with Doncic seen as the head of that snake.
The Raptors are reportedly interested in acquiring young players with star-level upside in return for Siakam. Josh Green, 23, would likely be their primary target in any potential trade discussions with the Mavericks front office. Green provides a two-way presence for Toronto. However, the Mavericks may be reluctant to part ways with a home-grown talent who still has plenty of upside left and has become a key part of their rotation.
There is a robust trade market for Siakam emerging. However, the veteran forward can essentially decline being traded by making it clear he doesn't intend to re-sign with that team. As such, Siakam holds all the power heading into the Feb. 8 trade deadline, and it's starting to feel like he will hold out for an extension or free agency, rather than accepting a trade.
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