For some NBA teams, 2023-24 is a transitional year. The team that they currently have isn’t likely to be the team moving forward. These teams are figuring out who they’re going to keep and who they’re going to move.
The Brooklyn Nets are one of those teams. This is a mediocre group. That’s fine. The Nets have a cache of draft capital and play in one of the best markets in the NBA. The Nets will be fine – it’s only a question of when.
Perhaps they’ll ride this out until the summer. On the other hand, it wouldn’t be a shock if they made a major trade for a star at this year’s deadline.
Could Pascal Siakam of the Toronto Raptors be that star?
NBA Trade Proposal: Brooklyn Nets Land Toronto Raptors’ Pascal Siakam
Toronto Raptors Receive: G Spencer Dinwiddie, C Nicolas Claxton, F Royce O’Neale, 2027 First-Round Pick (PHX via BKN), 2029 First-Round Pick (PHX via BKN)
Brooklyn Nets Receive: F/C Pascal Siakam
In a sense, this has been a transitional year for the Raptors too. The difference is that this team has already begun transitioning. The Raptors officially got their rebuild underway just recently when they sent O.G. Anunoby to the New York Knicks.
There’s been speculation about what the Raptors might do for years now. The Anunoby trade is interesting. Some thought that the Raptors would hang onto the younger Anunoby. Now that he’s gone, Siakam is overwhelmingly likely to follow.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors, Brooklyn Nets Updates
What will his market look like? It’s hard to say. In a vacuum, it should be robust. In practice, it’s been rumored that Siakam is unlikely to sign an extension with any team that acquires him.
Should the Nets take a risk on him anyway?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
The Nets are lacking a primary offensive option. Mikal Bridges is a foundational piece, but he’s closer to a second or third offensive option. Some will say that Siakam falls into the same category.
Fair. That said, we’ve seen teams succeed behind a duo of viable second options. If the Nets can surround Siakam and Bridges with depth, shooting, and defense, this deal could position them for a deep playoff run. Luckily, the Nets can do exactly that on day one.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors, Brooklyn Nets Updates
After all, they’ll have Cameron Johnson, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Ben Simmons next to them. Cam Thomas is rounding into a potential primary offensive option. The Nets should be a much more dangerous team following this deal.
Should the Raptors help them improve?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
Perhaps the Raptors could get more draft capital for Siakam elsewhere. With that said, they won’t get an intriguing young player like Claxton if they do. He’s one of the most versatile defensive big men in the entire league.
Yes, he’s on an expiring contract. The Raptors can afford to break the bank. They just got Anunoby off the books, and they’re moving SIakam while only otherwise receiving expiring contracts here. Claxton could be part of their future.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors, Brooklyn Nets Updates
Meanwhile, they’re still landing two distant unprotected firsts from an aging Suns team. This deal helps the Raptors improve their future. Eventually, it could help them transition back to title contention.
