Not long ago, people around the NBA expected Pascal Siakam to carry Kawhi Leonard's torch and lead the Toronto Raptors as their new superstar.
He broke out and kept getting better every year, yet it now seems like he peaked in 2019 and will never be the franchise player most thought he was poised to become.
Siakam is still quite a valuable two-way player. The Raptors don't need him to be a superstar as they're building around OG Anunoby, Fred VanVleet, and Scottie Barnes. Nonetheless, that doesn't mean they should go to great lengths to keep him if the right offer comes knocking.
Siakam should be a part of every big trade the Raptors make, especially considering his salary. With that in mind, let's look at three teams that could try and get him.
The Toronto Raptors are reportedly trying to get Kevin Durant by nearly any means necessary. They've made all of their players available, except for Scottie Barnes, but some believe that could change somewhere down the line.
There's no way the Nets agree to trade Durant unless the package also includes Siakam and multiple future first-round picks, at the very least. He'd be one of their primary scorers and one of the versatile defenders they crave so much.
Arturas Karnisovas was quiet during the offseason, but some believe he still has an ace up his sleeve. He's been aggressive in their pursuit of talent, and the Bulls are missing a PF who can hold his own on the defensive end and guard multiple positions.
Nikola Vucevic wasn't exactly impressive in his first full season in Chicago. He's been linked to multiple trade rumors, and the Bulls could include Coby White and spare parts to try and land the Cameroonian and pair him in the frontcourt with Patrick Williams.
For years, Pascal Siakam was tied to a trade to the Golden State Warriors. And while some believe they don't need him anymore with Jonathan Kuminga and James Wiseman, Draymond Green's desire to sign an extension could lead him to force his way out of the team.
The Warriors should only consider trading Green for players that fit their timeline and needs, and Siakam could check both boxes. He can guard multiple positions, play as their small-ball center, and spread the floor in lineups featuring five shooters.
