NBA News: Several 76ers Rivals In the Mix for Raptors’ Pascal Siakam

The Toronto Raptors took a while to part ways with their two-way wing, OG Anunoby. Although it seemed the Raptors were hoping to sign Anunoby long-term, they eventually gave in and dealt the wing away to the New York Knicks.

Will the veteran forward Pascal Siakam be the next domino to fall? All signs are pointing in that direction.

Some might consider Siakam the most notable name on the NBA’s trade block at this point in the year. With the deadline a month away, ESPN’s Tim Bontemps reported that league-wide, the expectation is that Siakam will be dealt by the deadline.

A follow-up report linked a few teams to Siakam, with two of them being conference competitors to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Who’s In the Mix?

• Detroit Pistons

• Indiana Pacers

• Sacramento Kings

The teams above were mentioned as known suitors in the market for Siakam, according to Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer. At this point, it’s become clear that the Sacramento Kings are unlikely to land Siakam at this time, as rumors have hinted that the veteran guard is unwilling to commit to Sacramento beyond his current contract.

Do either of the Eastern Conference suitors move the needle in the race for the conference title? Possibly the Pacers. 

This season, Indiana’s been on the rise. With Tyrese Haliburton continuing to develop into one of the league’s biggest rising stars, the Pacers have proven to be a potential playoff squad for the first time since the 2019-2020 season. Indiana could use a move for a win-now veteran, and Siakam fits the bill as he brings championship experience to the table.

As for the Pistons? Not so much. With just three wins to show for through 36 matchups, the Pistons are far from playoff contenders at this point in the season. Giving up assets for a soon-to-be-30-year-old forward on an expiring deal doesn’t match the Pistons’ timeline, nor would it satisfy Siakam’s needs at this point in his career.

Could the Sixers Consider?

It’s easy to pinpoint the Sixers as a potential Siakam suitor since his former head coach, Nick Nurse, is running the show in Philadelphia.

However, there’s been a lot of skepticism surrounding the Sixers’ interest in the Raptors’ forward. In Fischer’s report, it’s noted that while the Sixers have been “mentioned” in the market for Siakam, they don’t “appear as viable destinations at this juncture.”

A move or two might be necessary for Philadelphia as they search for the perfect pieces to construct a title run during the Joel Embiid era. While Siakam could be a complementary fit, the cost might affect the Sixers to the point where their championship odds don’t increase enough in the end to make a move, hence the hesitation at this point.