The Toronto Raptors may be able to make a blockbuster trade to bring in a superstar, coupling forward Pascal Siakam and the No. 4 overall pick, but there’s also potential for them to make a trade that sends away a former All-Star.
The Golden State Warriors should be in the market to enhance their roster. They have their Big 3 still, but the Dubs’ front office may be looking at bringing in even more talent to help bounce them back into title contention.
With the Golden State Warriors active in the trade market, should they target the “available” Raptors forward Pascal Siakam?
The argument in Dub Nation right now is who that target should be. Bradley Beal may not be truly available despite potentially requesting a trade. Other names like Damian Lillard feel more like long-shot options as the Warriors would have to trade numerous picks.
Siakam, as with Indiana Pacers rim-protecting center Myles Turner, could be a name that fits both molds. He could help make them title contenders while also not costing every future asset they have.
That said, Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer recently noted that Siakam is “considered available.”
"“Toronto, for example, could offer a package centered on the No. 4 selection and Pascal Siakam, who’s considered available for trade by sources around the league. The Raptors have been categorized as one of the most active teams in predraft trade chatter, exploring all avenues from swapping their pick in a deal for an All-Star such as Beal or Damian Lillard to trading back and recouping more draft capital to embrace a post-Kyle Lowry rebuild,” Fischer writes."
Now, the question remains: Should the Warriors targt Siakam?
Siakam averaged 21.4 points per game, down from his career-high 22.9 points per game he averaged the season before. He was an All-Star during the 2019-2020 season as well. Siakam’s numbers, more notable his three-point shooting, took a hit this past season.
He shot under 30 percent from deep. While he is a solid defender, can switch onto guards, and can rebound, Siakam may not be a great fit in Golden State. Siakam thrives with the ball in his hands and is less of an off-ball playmaker.
With two-time MVP Stephen Curry on the roster and five-time All-Star Klay Thompson returning, the Warriors will want to add either a piece to complement them or one to match their playmaking. Siakam is at that level, but he’s not quite at the level of Lillard of Beal.
For Siakam, what matters is the price tag. If the Raptors would take Wiggins and the team’s two first-round picks, it could be something Golden State should explore, but Siakam isn’t worth Wiggins and Wiseman along with potentially their No. 7 overall pick.
For that reason, I think the Warriors should be out on a deal with former All-Star. Although, at the right price, there’s no denying he could add a new dimension with his scoring.
He’s a better playmaker than Wiggins, but at what cost is that difference worth it for Golden State? Given that Siakam is a career 32.5 percent three-point shooter, the Warriors should look elsewhere if the price much include Wiseman.