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NBA Trade Rumors: Bold Pascal Siakam blockbuster trade idea to reshape NBA

By Elliot Reeder

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 05: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors drives against Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics in the first quarter at the TD Garden on April 05, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 05: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors drives against Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics in the first quarter at the TD Garden on April 05, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) /
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DeAndre Hunter
De’Andre Hunter (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Why this package makes sense for the Raptors

Toronto has one of three paths forward. For starters, they can flip Siakam AND Anunoby for as many assets as possible and then rebuild around Scottie Barnes, Gradey Dick, and the assets they get in those trades.

Option two is to just re-tool by moving either Siakam OR Anunoby and just adjusting their core. Toronto has already lost Fred VanVleet this offseason and could be on the verge of losing both Siakam and Anunoby ($19.9 million player option for 2024) for free next offseason. However, if they can work this trade and sign Anunoby to an extension at some point then their core could be re-shaped.

The third path for Toronto is to try and keep the core of Siakam, Anunoby, and Barnes together and contend with that core. However, that seems tenuous at best at the moment with the reasons listed above.

This trade works for Toronto on either of the first two fronts. If Toronto wants to rebuild, this trade nets them a promising youngster in Griffin and a 1st round pick. Griffin was the No. 16 pick in the 2022 draft but was one of the most promising players in that draft class (fell out of the lottery due to injuries). He then had a strong and efficient rookie season. He is a strong young asset for the Raptors to add to the likes of Barnes and Dick. The 1st rounder originally belonged to the Kings and now belongs to Atlanta. It is lottery protected in 2024, top 12 protected in 2025, and top 10 protected in 2026 (before turning into seconds). That pick provides another opportunity for Toronto to land a talented young player.

The move also nets the Raptors a 25-year-old Hunter with four years of team control left who they could keep as a part of that young core moving forward or can flip in the future (especially if they build his value back up some in the next 6-12 months). Hardaway Jr. could also potentially be flipped for an asset at the deadline.

On the other hand, if the plan is to re-tool then this return can also function in that capacity as well. Hunter is a quality starter who averaged 15.4 points and 4.2 rebounds per game this past year on 46.1%/35%/82.6% shooting splits. Hunter is also a good defender. While Hunter might not ever be a #1 option, I think he can be a capable 3rd or 4th option.

Adding Hunter to a core that includes OG Anunoby and Scottie Barnes would be interesting. I presume that if the group stays together that Anunoby would play SG, Hunter would play SF, and then Barnes would play PF. While that group would take some adjusting, it could work and has a lot of talent.

The Raptors would also be getting two other good rotation players as well in the trade in Griffin and Hardaway Jr. Both are good three-point shooters and would provide a lot of depth. Griffin averaged 8.9 points and 2.1 rebounds per game in his rookie year but was very efficient (shot 46.5% from the field and 39% from deep). THJ averaged 14.4 points and 3.5 rebounds per game this past year for Dallas while shooting 38.5% from three (40.1% from the field). Adding Hunter, Griffin, and Hardaway Jr. should make the Raptors a lot deeper around Anunoby and Barnes.

So overall, this trade could work on two different fronts for the Raptors, both the short-term and the long-term as the franchise tries to navigate its complicated future.

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