Rival teams believe Pascal Siakam is the most likely player to be traded if the Raptors decide to break up their core, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Charania identifies the Hawks, Kings and Pacers as “expected suitors” for either Siakam or OG Anunoby. Atlanta had “intense conversations” with Toronto during the offseason about a potential Siakam deal, and Sacramento and Indiana have both reached out to the Raptors about his availability over the past year, according to Charania. However, he adds that the Kings are becoming more confident that they can develop into a contender with their current roster and may be less likely to pursue a major trade.
Both players are headed toward free agency next summer, with Siakam on a $37.9MM expiring contract and Anunoby holding a $19.9MM player option for 2024/25 that he’s virtually certain to decline. Toronto’s front office might be more aggressive about seeking a trade after losing free agent Fred VanVleet this offseason, but a rival executive tells Charania to expect “a game of chicken” from the Raptors all the way to the deadline.
Charania offers an inside look at several other teams:
- The Bulls have won four straight games without Zach LaVine, but his injury setback is expected to slow down any progress toward a trade. Charania identifies the Lakers and Sixers as potential destinations, but adds that both teams are being patient while considering their options. Several teams have called about Alex Caruso, league sources tell Charania, but Chicago’s front office has no interest in moving him.
- P.J. Tucker is unhappy with his current situation, and the Clippers are working with him to resolve it, either by giving him a larger role or moving him elsewhere, according to Charania. Tucker, who came to L.A. in the James Harden trade, hasn’t played since November 27 and is mainly serving as a mentor to the team’s younger players. Charania hears that multiple contenders are keeping an eye on Tucker’s potential availability.
- The Lakers could have Gabe Vincent back on the court by next Monday, sources tell Charania. After signing as a free agent this summer, Vincent has been dealing with a left knee effusion that has limited him to four games.
- Grizzlies guard Ja Morant “looks good” as he prepares to return from his suspension, according to Charania’s sources. Commissioner Adam Silver said over the weekend that Morant “has complied with everything he’s been asked to do.” He could be cleared to return as early as December 19 for a game at New Orleans.
- The Grizzlies will have to remove someone from their roster when Morant is reinstated, and they would prefer to keep veteran center Bismack Biyombo, according to Charania. Memphis signed Biyombo to a one-year, $5MM contract after an injury sidelined Steven Adams for the season, and he has been a capable fill-in, averaging 6.1 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.25 blocks in 15 games. Sources tell Charania that Memphis has been active in trade talks around the league involving other players on its roster.
If the Hawks acquire Siakam, will they finally break .500?
OG to Kings for Huerter, Barnes and picks.
Assuming both Siakam and OG are available at the deadline, I’ll be interested to see what the market for each will yield. The past couple of years, Ujiri purported to make each available on multiple occassions, but it was mostly a mirage. That almost can’t be the case this year, as each is a rental set to be an UFA after the season. Game of chicken to start, perhaps, but this year that can’t be the end of it.
Is PJ Tucker one of the most overrated players of all-time? His stat sheet looks absolutely grotesque for someone with his reputation. You really have to stretch the intangible argument for him to have a shred of value.
PJ’s the self proclaimed goat of the resale sneaker market but he’s longer a legit nba player for at least the past year. Don’t know why Morey thought it he’d last 3 years when he signed him to a 3 year contract last year?
He graduated HS the same year as LeBron. That might be all there is to it.
DeM DeR >>>> to Knicks ……
Fingers crossed brother
If the Raptors decide to tear it down a rebuild they will be in a much better position than their counterparts.
Scottie Barnes is extremely talented and Gradey although we haven’t seen much of him yet projects to fit nicely next to him. It’s kinda about building around those two if they decide to tear it down. Pascal would fetch a good return and OG would fetch a very good return. Even the vets like Boucher, Thad, Otto and so on none of them have terrible value. Compare that to say Chicago, Zach, DeMare and AC aren’t getting you back nearly as much as Pascal and OG. Plus the young players they currently have aren’t close to as good as Scottie Barnes.
As for destinations and potential targets, pascal makes a lot of sense for Indy and ATL. But I wouldn’t be surprised either if other desperate teams get involved. OG will have a huge market, Philly, Cleveland and NY stand out as the likely suitors. As for targets for Toronto, Andrew Nembhart, Quentin Grimes, Patrick Williams, James Wiseman and Cam Whitmore….
In an ideal world I’d say trade Pascal to Indy for Nembhart, cap fillers and a first.
Then for OG, take back whatever contracts and try get 2 or 3 firsts.
Then lastly with your vets and role players I’d try get James Wiseman for as cheap as possible.
Leaving you to look something like
Schroder Gradey RoCo Barnes Poeltl
Nembhart Heild Temple Thad Wiseman
With 2 or 3 first round picks aswell