NBA Trade Rumors: 10 players that could be dealt by the 2022 deadline
By Kyle McKee
2. Pascal Siakam
Shifting gears from a player that has been talked about constantly (Ben Simmons) to a player that’s been overlooked so far this season in Pascal Siakam.
In the 19 games, Siakam has played this season, he’s played well. The sixth-year forward is currently averaging 19.9 points per game, 8.1 rebounds per game, and 4.1 assists per game. The thing is though, the Raptors aren’t going anywhere. As the standings sit right now, Toronto is 11th in the Eastern Conference with a record of 15-17.
The Raptors should look to deal Siakam for a couple of reasons. The first is that his market value will never be higher than it is right now. He’s 27 years old, in the prime of his career. He’s proven to be an All-Star caliber player that can be a second or third option for a championship team.
He’s also the type of player every team needs: a long wing who can defend multiple positions on the defensive end of the floor and can create his own shot on the offensive end of the floor. He doesn’t have an ego and has shown that he’s capable of playing with a superstar during his time playing with Kawaii Leonard.
Dealing Siakam would help Toronto fill roster holes, gain valuable future assets and, more importantly, allow young guys like Scottie Barnes, Precious Achiuwa, OG Anunoby, Gary Trent Jr., and others to take more responsibility.
Look for Toronto to deal Siakam before the deadline. It’s the right thing for them to do. Developing their young talent and gaining future assets should be their top priorities right now.