By now, Hawks fans know the club has an interest in a Pascal Siakam trade. It’s been confirmed by insiders all over the league, and most recently, Shams Charania revealed the offer for the Raptors has centered around De’Andre Hunter, A.J. Griffin, and draft compensation.
“Atlanta has offered a package centered around De’Andre Hunter, AJ Griffin and draft compensation to Toronto for Siakam, league sources say. But the Raptors are believed to have upped the price on any possible deal at each turn,” Charania reported.
However, in that same piece for The Athletic, Charania noted that trade discussions are at a complete pause as the Hawks regime is fully content entering the upcoming campaign with the roster as it’s currently constructed.
“For now, talks are at a complete pause, and the Hawks are fully prepared to enter the 2023-24 season with their current team, according to league sources. For now, Siakam is a Raptor, and even without an extension, he could very well remain one through the trade deadline.”
Shams also added that it’s still the case that Pascal Siakam isn’t willing to sign an extension with the team that acquires him.
“… the external market has been tempered a bit due to the fact that it’s been made clear, league sources say, that Siakam would not extend with a team that trades for him.”
It might take leverage away from the Raptors in negotiations, but it also should be a smack in the face for the Hawks. “Hey, this guy doesn’t want to play for you.” That’s at least how I take it. Pascal Siakam might be wanting to earn All-NBA honors to maximize his contract’s value. I don’t buy it, though.
It just makes the Hawks look desperate, and I hope they’re smart enough to know when a deal is turning sour, which it seems this one has. De’Andre Hunter, A.J. Griffin, and draft compensation is a more than fair offer that the Raptors have declined. They want more for a one-year rental? Not if I’m the Hawks GM.
However, this organization has not done much right in recent years. There’s no rhyme or reason to the way they’ve built the roster, and I’m not entirely sure a Pascal Siakam trade will fix that. The fit is still wonky, but he’s an All-Star and NBA champion, so the Hawks are fawning. I just hope it doesn’t blow up in their faces.
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