The Toronto Raptors traded OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks on Saturday for a package featuring RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, but they remain a team to watch in NBA trade rumors.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Raptors are still expected to explore trades involving Pascal Siakam after sending Anunoby to the Knicks as the focus remains to build around Scottie Barnes.
“Toronto is expected to continue to explore trades involving forward Pascal Siakam, but there are no deals with traction for him now, sources said,” Wojnarowski wrote.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors Updates
Similar to Anunoby, Siakam is set to enter free agency this summer, making it essential for the Raptors to reach a midseason resolution regarding his future. He currently earns $37.9 million in the final year of a four-year, $136.9 million contract.
Siakam has a lesser year than usual but has averaged 21.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists in 31 games. He’s cemented himself as one of the NBA’s top forwards, earning an All-NBA Third Team nod in 2022 after already having an All-NBA Second-Team nomination in 2020.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors Updates
The Raptors engaged in trade talks involving Siakam during the offseason, with teams interested in a deal, including the Indiana Pacers, Atlanta Hawks, and Sacramento Kings, at the time.
Based on the trade return the Raptors received for Anunoby, the team appears focused on adding pieces that can contribute to winning in the short term instead of pursuing future draft picks. With Siakam being the team’s previous franchise-cornerstone, the trade return will need to be strong as they reconfigure the team around Barnes going forward, along with Quickley and Barrett.
