With the Toronto Raptors already trading OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks, many are monitoring the future of Pascal Siakam ahead of the Feb. 8 NBA midseason deadline.
The Indiana Pacers and Atlanta Hawks have been frequent focuses as possible trade suitors for Siakam. Still, the Kings continue to be brought up around the league as suitors to “watch,” multiple sources told NBA Analysis Network.
Sacramento views pairing the two-time All-NBA forward with De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis to solidify its outlook to contend for a championship. The front office remains motivated to upgrade at the deadline with active trade conversations.
Siakam has averaged 22.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in 34 games this season, continuing to be a dynamic player at the four. He’s playing out the final season of a four-year, $136.9 million contract, making it essential for Toronto to resolve his long-term future soon to avoid risking his free agency departure without having anything to show for it.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings Updates
Given Siakam’s desire to reach free agency instead of signing a contract extension with a team that trades for him, any trade suitor would need some risk tolerance. He’s eligible to sign a four-year, $202.3 million extension and a five-year supermax deal worth around $304 million if he makes the All-NBA team this year, but could also sign a supermax with the Raptors.
Similar to how the Dallas Mavericks operated last season when they acquired Kyrie Irving from the Brooklyn Nets. The focus was for Irving to protect his Bird rights by landing with the team he sought to re-sign with, even though it meant entering unrestricted free agency before getting his three-year, $120 million contract finalized.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings Updates
The Kings hold a 20-13 record, ranking fifth in the Western Conference standings. The league has an open title outlook without a clear-cut dominant team running the table. Sacramento has an opportunity to get aggressive in the trade market to add a difference-making talent and take advantage of it.
