To maximize Scottie Barnes' talents, Raptors may have to deal franchise icon

The Raptors have a franchise player in Scottie Barnes, who's playing at an All-Star level. Now Toronto must do everything in its power to maximize his potential — even if that means trading a franchise icon. 

After his selection with the fourth overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Barnes — the 2021-22 NBA Rookie of the Year — did not take the second-season leap many expected. His average of 15.3 points per game remained the same as his rookie year average and his shooting numbers took a hit. 

In his rookie season, Barnes shot 49.2% from the field and 30.1% from three-point range on 2.6 attempts per game. Those figures dropped to 45.6% from the field and 28.1% from three-point range on 2.9 three-point attempts per game in his second season.

Now in his third season, Barnes is back on a superstar trajectory, averaging 19.6 points, 9.1 rebounds and 5.5 assists. His three-point percentage has jumped to 38.2% on 5.1 attempts per game, and he is shooting 46.6% from the field.

The three-point jump is a positive sign for the Raptors as Barnes’ biggest flaw entering the draft was a poor jump shot. During his lone season at Florida State, he shot 27.5% from three-point range on only 1.7 attempts per game.

Barnes plays his best in the fourth quarter, averaging 6.6 points and shooting 53.6% from the field and 44.4% from deep.

Despite excellent play from Barnes, the Raptors are 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 9-11 record heading into Wednesday's game against the Miami Heat. Toronto faces a tough decision with All-Star Pascal Siakam, a free agent after the season.

Siakam, who has spent his entire career with the Raptors, is averaging 20 points, 7.2 rebounds and five assists. With his offensive talent, versatility on defense and championship experience, he will likely get a max contract.

Siakam is great, but Raptors management must decide whether he fits with Barnes when it comes to their skill sets and ages. Siakam is 29 and Barnes is 22.

Both are natural power forwards and their skills tend to overlap. Potentially paying both a max contract would limit Toronto’s ability to surround Barnes with players who complement his game. Ideally, that's shooters because the Raptors rank 28th in three-point shooting (33.9%).

Toronto could make a bold move to add another star player — someone like Chicago's Zach LaVine — to see if the current core can succeed in the playoffs. However, that brings the risk of losing Siakam for nothing when Toronto could get picks and young players in return who better fit Barnes’ skills and timeline than Siakam.

For now, the Raptors have time to see if Barnes and Siakam can succeed together.

If the two prove successful as a tandem, that's great for Toronto. If not, a change will be needed so the Raptors can maximize the talents and potential of a future superstar.