Report: Two-time All-Star named 'player to monitor' as trade speculation grows
While Damian Lillard and James Harden are in the spotlight as potential trade candidates, another multi-time All-Star could be on the move this summer.
According to Sportsnet's Michael Grange, Raptors forward Pascal Siakam continues to be a topic of discussion on the trade market, and the Atlanta Hawks remain interested in the former champion. The 29-year-old is entering the final season of the four-year, $136.9 million extension he signed with the Raptors in 2019.
"An interesting player to monitor as the NBA transaction market heats up is Raptors Pascal Siakam," Grange tweeted on Sunday. "Keep hearing his name out there, per multiple sources. Atlanta still interested. Something to watch."
Siakam has long been the subject of trade speculation, particularly as a target for Atlanta, but just recently, it seemed he would be staying with the Raptors. Last month, Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes reported that Siakam would not re-sign with a team attempting to trade for him as he prefers to remain in Toronto.
However, after firing HC Nick Nurse and losing point guard Fred VanVleet to the Houston Rockets in free agency, perhaps Toronto is contemplating a full-on rebuild centered around Scottie Barnes. The 2022 Rookie of the Year averaged 15.3 points per game last season, identical to what he posted as a first-year pro.
If Siakam were traded, it would allow Barnes to expand his role and further his development. Additionally, forward OG Anunoby, who Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer says desires more involvement in the offense and increased ball-handling opportunities, could have his wish fulfilled during his upcoming contract year.
The Hawks have repeatedly attempted to land Siakam, but to no avail, with Fischer writing that they even explored a three-team trade scenario ahead of the 2023 NBA Draft. Considering Atlanta traded starting forward John Collins to the Jazz earlier this offseason, Siakam would be an excellent fit alongside fellow All-Stars Trae Young and Dejounte Murray.
Regardless of whether Atlanta acquires Siakam, the seventh-year veteran would be a valuable addition to any organization with championship aspirations. Last season, Siakam averaged 24.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.8 assists en route to earning his second career All-Star selection.
As Raptors vice chairman and president Masai Ujiri is known for savvy decision-making, he'll likely further assess Siakam's value once the compensation for Lillard and Harden is determined.
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