One big name continues to circulate should the Golden State Warriors pull a blockbuster trade
As the Golden State Warriors stumble out of the blocks for a second-straight NBA season, speculation mounts on their potential to revitalize their aging core with a blockbuster trade over the coming months.
The Warriors entered the season wishing to contend for a championship, yet appear a mile off the pace with a 9-10 record which currently places them 10th in the Western Conference.
One name continues to be thrown up as a potential blockbuster trade target for the Golden State Warriors before February's deadline.
Golden State's championship core, and overall starting lineup, has failed them so far this season -- at least outside Stephen Curry who continues to play at an MVP level. At the same time, head coach Steve Kerr has been faithful to that group and has largely been unwilling to provide more opportunity to young players, at least before Thursday night's win over the LA Clippers.
Something has to give, particularly if the Warriors continue to appear headed for the Play-In Tournament. The franchise made a trade at last season's deadline, but an even more significant one could be on the horizon this time around.
One name that continues to do the rounds is Toronto Raptors' forward Pascal Siakam, the two-time All-Star who's future has been a constant source of speculation over the past couple of years.
Raptors' GM Masai Ujiri has thus far been unwilling to deal his veteran players, yet that could be on the verge of shifting given the franchise's own uninspiring 9-10 record. In a detailed report looking at the top trade candidates over the coming months, HoopsHype's Michael Scotto specifically mentioned Siakam as a target for the Warriors.
"..."Is a trade candidate such as Pascal Siakam, who is represented by agent Todd Ramasar along with Warriors center Kevon Looney, someone who could move the needle towards championship contention?"
- Michael Scotto via HoopsHype
Meanwhile, in a deep analysis of Golden State's current struggles, The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor stated that the franchise should call Toronto in regard to Siakam or fellow forward O.G. Anunoby. His colleague, Bill Simmons, proposed a Siakam trade on the latest episode of his podcast, one that would see the Warriors give up Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga.
This isn't the first time either name has been linked to the Warriors, having dated all the way back to last season. Both are on expiring deals (Anunoby has a player option he's expected to decline), and there's no doubt that in the way of Siakam, a maximum deal would have to be offered to bring him back beyond this season. The 29-year-old is currently averaging 19.9 points, 7.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game, and would forecast as a much-needed secondary scorer behind Stephen Curry.
Still, is it worth giving up a potential haul of Chris Paul and some combination of Jonathan Kuminga, Moody, Podziemski, Jackson-Davis and future picks? If Golden State continue to flatline, Ujiri and Toronto might find themselves in line to take advantage.