Pascal Siakam is an unrestricted free agent on the finish of the season. The previous All-NBA ahead is broadly anticipated to be traded earlier than the February 8 commerce deadline. But, his contract standing means the Toronto Raptors can be promoting low on one in every of their prized property.
Based on SportsNet’s Michael Grange, Siakam’s present worth across the league may result in a change of coronary heart from the entrance workplace.
“The Raptors, below president and normal supervisor Masai Ujiri, aren’t recognized for promoting low,” Grange wrote. “For this reason in some corners there may be an rising view that one other doable path might current itself, one the place Siakam doesn’t get moved and will even find yourself inking an extension within the coming weeks. It wouldn’t shock me if there have been exploratory conversations on the topic.”
Siakam, 29, has remained skilled regardless of his identify being floated in commerce rumors since halfway by the 2022-23 season. His production of 20.7 factors, 6.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists on 49.7% capturing falls throughout the All-Star class. And he nonetheless has a number of years of his prime in entrance of him. Promoting low can be a significant blow for the Raptors franchise.
Nonetheless, if Toronto opts to maintain Siakam round, it might probably imply that OG Anunoby is on his approach out of the franchise. One of many Raptors’ greatest points is how related their finest three gamers are. Eradicating one in every of that trio from the equation would assist carry some stability to the roster.
Anunoby has a player option for next season. If a possible commerce accomplice may get a verbal dedication that Anunoby would both decide in or re-sign on a brand new deal, his worth can be unlikely to fall so far as Siakam’s would. Moreover, Anunoby is simply 26 years previous, so groups could possibly be bought on his finest years nonetheless being in entrance of him.
Siakam has been a real skilled. His presence would even be useful to Scottie Barnes’ general improvement, each on and off the court docket. If Masai Ujiri believes the Raptors can be higher served by retaining Siakam, and he’s keen to debate an prolonged keep, it is probably that the veteran ahead will stay with the franchise for the rest of his prime years.