Ahead of the NBA trade deadline on February 8th, discussions about Toronto Raptors’ Pascal Siakam potentially being traded are heating up. However, any team acquiring Siakam should not expect him to sign a contract extension before the 2023-24 season ends.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Siakam would only be eligible for a two-year extension with a new team, and he reportedly prefers to enter unrestricted free agency. Consequently, any team trading for him must be prepared to take that risk.
“Word is Siakam, if he’s dealt, is unlikely to sign off on a two-year extension and would prefer, again, to proceed to unrestricted free agency, meaning that any team that trades for him now must be daring enough to roll those dice,” Stein wrote.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors, Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies, Atlanta Hawks, Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings Updates
The number of teams interested in Siakam seems to be increasing. Stein has mentioned that the Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies might join the Atlanta Hawks, Indiana Pacers, and Sacramento Kings as potential destinations for Siakam.
Eligible for a substantial four-year, $202.3 million extension, Siakam could also qualify for a five-year supermax deal worth approximately $304 million if he makes the All-NBA team this season. Given these possibilities, it’s understandable why he may not be keen on a shorter two-year deal.
Despite this, teams are still showing interest in acquiring Siakam. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that trade talks involving Siakam haven’t gained much traction following the trade of OG Anunoby from Toronto to the New York Knicks. However, Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer suggested that the league is bracing for a potential Siakam trade.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors, Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies, Atlanta Hawks, Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings Updates
Siakam’s addition would be a significant boost for any contending team. The 29-year-old, who has spent his entire eight-year NBA career with the Raptors, is a two-time All-Star, 2019 NBA champion, and a two-time All-NBA team member. This season, he’s averaging 21.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, with a shooting percentage of 51.2 percent from the field and 26.1 percent from three-point range.
The Mavericks are already strong contenders, featuring key players like Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Dereck Lively II. Siakam could represent a desired upgrade at the power forward position. The team recently benched Grant Williams while leaning on Derrick Jones Jr. to fill that role.
The Grizzlies, with a lineup including Ja Morant, Marcus Smart, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr., would also benefit from adding Siakam to their roster, bolstering their competitiveness.
