Pascal Siakam Sweepstakes Have Begun: Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, And The Indiana Pacers Are In Full Pursuit

After seven seasons with the Raptors, the writing is on the wall for 2x All-Star Pascal Siakam. In the aftermath of the OG Anunoby trade, the feeling is that Toronto is on the verge of a major re-tool and Siakam is, presumably, the next one up to be moved. In his latest report, league insider Jake Fischer revealed the biggest potential suitors for Pascal and how his move could alter the entire NBA landscape.

"Siakam was the Toronto veteran whom rival executives were pegging as the most likely Raptor to be dealt, particularly after the team nearly sent Siakam to the Atlanta Hawks this summer... He is under an expiring contract after his own extension talks fell short of a deal this fall. In addition to Atlanta, the Kings, and Pacers have been routinely mentioned by NBA figures as potential suitors for Siakam."

Siakam isn't a superstar by any means but he's the type of two-way guy who could seriously move the needle for the right team. Averaging 21.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game on 50.9% shooting, Siakam is a top 20 player in the NBA right now and any of the three teams mentioned above would get measurably better with him on the roster.

Siakam Is The Top Prize This Trade Season

With the Raptors seemingly on the verge of a complete roster overhaul, Siakam's future has become increasingly uncertain. At 29 years old, Pascal doesn't fit the timeline of Scottie Barnes, who is emerging as the new face of the franchise. But as Siakam enters his prime years, expectations will only rise for him and whatever team he goes to next.

Siakam, a 2x All-Star and 2019 champion, is now the top trade target this season in a market that includes very few sellers. Besides potentially Zach LaVine or Bojan Bogdanovic, there aren't many veteran players up for grabs right now, and the bidding war for Siakam is expected to be intense. The only question now is, which team will be the one to land him given Masai Ujiri's high asking price?

The Race Is On For 2x All-Star

Only three teams have been mentioned in the Pascal Siakam race, but more will likely join the pursuit over the next few weeks. In Sacramento, the Kings are probably one or two pieces away from being bonafide title contenders. Depending on what they'd give up for Siakam, he'd be the perfect fit there on a face-paced, high-shooting team in desperate need of defense. The Pacers could also be a good fit for Pascal for largely the same reasons. Alongside playmaking expert Tyrese Haliburton, Siakam would be in for the best offensive season of his career.

The Atlanta Hawks are probably the most interesting and realistic destination for Siakam. With Dejounte Murray potentially up for grabs, they could dangle the two-way guard for Siakam and he could help to bring the Hawks out of mediocrity with his expert-level defense. For now, it remains to be seen what will happen with Pascal but things just got a whole lot more interesting this season in light of recent events.