The Toronto Raptors continue to be a team to monitor for the Golden State Warriors, with the 2019 NBA champions reaching a critical point after the free agent departure of Fred VanVleet to the Houston Rockets.
The Raptors have been a team to watch for Warrior fans dating back to February’s trade deadline. At that time there were reports Golden State were chasing forward OG Anunoby, but that the price set by General Manager Masai Ujiri was ultimately too high.
Long-seen as a potential trade partner of the Golden State Warriors, the Toronto Raptors continue to explore moves despite their reluctance so far.
In Anunoby and Pascal Siakam, Toronto has two versatile forwards who are going to be very attractive to rival teams on the trade market. According to Marc Stein (subscription required), the Raptors continue to survey the league despite sticking fat with their main core to this point.
"“There is an inherent skepticism around the league when it comes to the Raptors and their willingness to trade Siakam or any other front-line player after last February’s trade deadline”, Stein wrote. “I nonetheless came away from my time at summer league in Las Vegas with the distinct impression that the Raptors are still exploring another move. Maybe even two.”"
Golden State’s potential trade packages for either player have become muddied somewhat given the recent acquisition of point-guard Chris Paul. As such, the 38-year-old cannot be dealt with another Warrior player until September 4, making a deal for Siakam impossible until that point.
Siakam is on an expiring $37.8 million deal for 2023-24, and given reports of his desire to remain in Toronto, any team trading for the 29-year-old would have to be assured they can resign him before giving up significant assets.
The same can be said for Anunoby who is set to make $18.6 million. The 26-year-old has a $19.9 million player option for 2024-25, a deal he’s likely to opt out of to secure more money in free agency next offseason.
The Warriors appear keen on the prospect of Paul playing alongside fellow guards Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. However, with the uncertainty regarding his role and recent injury history, nothing should be completely set in stone and the situation in Toronto should at the very least be monitored.