Pascal Siakam could be on his way out of the Toronto Raptors this summer — at least according to NBA rumors. The two-time All-Star has been linked to numerous trade scenarios that will see his seven-year tenure with Toronto come to an end.
Several teams have already been rumored to be in the mix for the 29-year-old, but based on the latest reports, it’s also very much possible that Toronto ends up keeping Siakam beyond this summer.
NBA Rumors: Pascal Siakam Garnering Interest From Hawks, Magic, Pacers
According to NBA insider Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the three teams that are currently in the mix for Siakam are the Atlanta Hawks, the Orlando Magic, and the Indiana Pacers.
The Hawks could build a package around De’Andre Hunter and future assets. The Pacers, on the other hand, just drafted Jarace Walker and signed Obi Toppin from the New York Knicks via NBA free agency, and both players share the same position as Siakam. Scotto also reports that according to his sources, the buzz surrounding Orlando’s pursuit of Siakam could be “more noise than substance at this time.”
Moreover, it also seems like the Raptors are willing to hold on to Siakam in spite of the fact that he’s on an expiring deal. Apparently, this has been Toronto’s modus operandi over the past few years:
“Despite the palpable buzz surrounding Siakam, some around the league aren’t buying that he’ll be traded. ‘Toronto always does the same thing,’ as one NBA scout told HoopsHype at Vegas Summer League. ‘They dangle their guys, and then they pull them back.,'” Scotto wrote.
Taking all this into consideration, it wouldn’t be a complete shock if Siakam ends up staying in Toronto to start the new season.
NBA Rumors: What Will Pascal Siakam’s Exit Mean For Raptors Chances In East?
However, if the Raptors end up losing Siakam then this could be an indication of a soft rebuild for the squad centered around Scottie Barnes. Fred VanVleet has already moved on to the Houston Rockets, and losing another star in Siakam would all but signify Toronto’s intention to focus on their future. This is under the assumption that they won’t get an All-Star caliber player in a potential Siakam trade.
If Toronto decides to embrace what seems to be an overdue rebuild, then they won’t be much of a threat to the Milwaukee Bucks in the East. The Bucks are still expected to be one of the top contenders in the conference, and a Raptors rebuild leaves at least one less challenger in the East.
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