Pascal Siakam was one of the key players during the 2019 championship run by the Toronto Raptors. He took a step to become a star and is one of the most versatile big men in today’s game. This past season, Siakam was effective averaging 21.4 PPG and 7.2 RPG, although he missed 16 games for the Raptors.
Siakam was also involved in trade rumors during the season after getting into it with head coach Nick Nurse which was reported to have “crossed the line”. This offseason, Siakam is once again in trade talks because the Raptors used their No. 4 pick to draft Scottie Barnes which could push the 2019 Most Improved Player out the door. Here are the 5 best trade destinations for All-Star Pascal Siakam.
5. Detroit Pistons
The Pistons have their new franchise star in Cade Cunningham, a 6’8″ point guard with exceptional talent. Cunningham will likely be the long-term solution for Detroit, who are yet to find out how Killian Hayes will turn out. Hayes will likely not have a future for much longer and could be moved in favor of Pascal Siakam.
A deal involving Hayes, Jerami Grant, and Cory Joseph could be in the cards as the Raptors rebuild with Hayes taking over Kyle Lowry’s spot. Grant has a season where he was in for Most Improved Player, and Joseph reunites with the Toronto faithful. Siakam would probably prefer to play with a contender rather than with a rebuilding Pistons squad, but his pairing with Cunningham could be a very interesting one to watch over the next few seasons.
4. Chicago Bulls
In the era of the Big Three, the Chicago Bulls can find relevance again by making a blockbuster move for Pascal Siakam. They have Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic on the team, and adding Siakam would make them one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. Siakam isn’t any ordinary big because he moves quickly and defends the perimeter, making him a perfect pairing with Vucevic.
This deal would likely send Lauri Markkanen and Thaddeus Young to the Raptors, along with future draft consideration. The Bulls have a great scorer and player in Zach LaVine, so Siakam probably wouldn’t mind playing in The Windy City with one of the best athletes in the NBA. Siakam builds a base in Chicago that is very promising, while the team continues to look for their next point guard to make this team a title contender.
3. Washington Wizards
The Wizards have cut the Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal era short, trading the point guard to the Los Angeles Lakers for Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. The team still has Bradley Beal, but the 31.3 PPG scorer needs a new partner. Siakam can come in and be that mobile big man to play off Beal in the offense.
This deal could see Rui Hachimura, Kyle Kuzma, and Montrezl Harrell heading to the Raptors in exchange for Siakam. The Wizards need a post presence and some size because the big money signing of Davis Bertans was a disaster while Thomas Bryant almost missed the entire season. A player of Beal’s skillset requires a big man who can help out on both ends of the floor, so Washington could immediately build a better team around their franchise star with Siakam.
2. Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors have an exciting season coming up, with the return of Klay Thompson expected in due time. That means the Splash Brothers are on the court once again, with Draymond Green and young stud Jonathan Kuminga on board. Adding a player like Siakam makes the Warriors a legitimate threat in the West again, because he is a great passer (4.5 APG this season) and defender who can run the floor.
The Warriors employ an uptempo offense with Curry and Klay, so a mobile big man (similar to Draymond Green) allows the team to grab boards and push the pace. Siakam is one of the quickest forwards in the NBA so he will form a fantastic duo with the two greatest shooters in NBA history. This deal would likely see James Wiseman and Andrew Wiggins heading North, while Eric Paschall could also be requested.
1. Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers need a star to pair with Damian Lillard because they are benefitting from the loyalty of their point guard for now. Lillard is so far content with Portland, but this could be the final season he’s in town if the franchise doesn’t build a contender. CJ McCollum has been a great servant for Portland, but Siakam could give Lillard a teammate that fits his style better.
Siakam offers size, defensive resistance, and mobility in the post far better than what McCollum offers. Not to mention, Lillard doesn’t need scoring help but a player who can play off of him. A swap deal for CJ McCollum makes sense for both teams since the Raptors can utilize a new go-to scoring option while the Trail Blazers employ a modern offense with a scorer and a mobile big man.
