As the offseason continues, there is an increasing amount of trade chatter surrounding Raptors All-Star forward Pascal Siakam.
According to Sportsnet's Michael Grange, there is a growing separation between Siakam and the franchise, which now finds itself at a crucial turning point following the departure of Fred VanVleet. As it stands, nothing appears to be imminent, but the franchise is gauging the trade value of the 29-year-old, who is entering the final year of his contract.
Siakam is coming off a season in which he earned the second All-Star selection of his career, posting averages of 24.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.8 assists over 71 games. For the second consecutive year, he led the league in minutes per game.
An important detail in Siakam's trade valuation is his contract situation and potential to hit free agency in 2024 — a team may be reluctant to execute a deal if it is unsure whether or not Siakam will commit long-term while other teams could take their chances on waiting things out to potentially sign Siakam outright next offseason.
With trade rumors heating up, which teams might be willing to make a deal for Siakam?
MORE: Fred VanVleet reveals how tough it was to choose Rockets over Raptors
Pascal Siakam trade destinations
Atlanta Hawks
It's no secret that the Hawks have an interest in acquiring Siakam.
Prior to the draft, reporting from Grange and Yahoo's Jake Fischer indicated that Atlanta has been persistent in its pursuit of Toronto's All-Star forward with hopes of pairing him with Trae Young and Dejounte Murray.
The Hawks are an interesting destination for multiple reasons. The franchise, which is retooling under general manager Landry Fields and midseason coaching hire Quin Snyder, has already parted ways with longtime starting forward John Collins. After losing in the first round in each of the last two seasons, Atlanta is looking to leap back into the top half of the Eastern Conference.
Atlanta's well-documented desire could mean that the franchise can get aggressive in its trade offers. The Hawks roster features a number of players that could pique the Raptors interest, including rookie Kobe Bufkin, second-year wing AJ Griffin and fourth-year big man Onyeka Okongwu. To make the salaries work, a third team would need to get involved or the Hawks would include a player like De'Andre Hunter or Bogdan Bogdanovic, who, like Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic, is a native Serbian.
MORE: Analyzing Atlanta's trade options to make a move for Pascal Siakam
Indiana Pacers
According to Grange, Indiana has emerged as a potential destination for Siakam. The team's interest would signify an attempt to expedite a rebuild around All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton.
The Pacers have been major winners this offseason, signing Bruce Brown away from the Nuggets, selecting Jarace Walker on draft night and trading for Obi Toppin. With the influx of new talent, head coach Rick Carlisle now faces the good problem of having too many players to choose from.
A solution could be the consolidation of some talent to acquire Siakam, who makes for an intriguing fit alongside Indiana's core pieces.
Assuming players like Walker, Bennedict Mathurin and Andrew Nembhard are untouchable, the Raptors could take on Buddy Hield's expiring contract while potentially having a choice to take a flier on young talents like Jalen Smith, Isaiah Jackson or Jordan Nwora. T.J. McConnell is another bridge option for Toronto's current point guard issue.
Orlando Magic
Orlando has emerged as a potential destination based on recent reporting from Grange. The Magic are another team with plenty of positional overlap and an opportunity to consolidate talent for an All-Star caliber player.
After a few down years, the Magic are in a prime position to leap into prominence in the coming years. Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero is on a path to stardom, Franz Wagner also has shown star potential and they've complemented the duo with great young pieces. The idea of always having one of Banchero, Siakam or Wagner on the floor must be intriguing for Orlando, which could also accelerate its path to contention with a splashy deal.
To get it done, the team does have one or two guards too many.
Markelle Fultz has found his footing and Orlando appears to have hit the jackpot with 2023 draft pick Anthony Black, which could mean one of Cole Anthony or Jalen Suggs could be moved. Salary-wise, a change of scenery could bring better fortune for the health of Jonathan Isaac, who is still running into injury setbacks.
MORE: Six standouts from opening weekend of Las Vegas Summer League
Trade destinations worth mention
Oklahoma City Thunder
There hasn't been any reporting that links Siakam to the Thunder, but they're another team that has too many good players to give the playing time they deserve.
OKC has been stockpiling draft capital and now has 35 picks over the next seven drafts. The roster also features several talented young guards. That could be the formula to get in the mix for Siakam.
LA Clippers
How about a reunion?
The one season Siakam was teammates with Kawhi Leonard, the two hoisted the Larry O'Brien trophy when it was all said and done. LA is continuous;y linked to former Raptors and Siakam would make a fearsome trio with Leonard and Paul George.
LA has the players to make the salary match, but its dependent on draft capital and Toronto's interest in Robert Covington, Terance Mann, Marcus Morris Sr. or a reunion with Norman Powell.
