With a third of the NBA season already in the history books, it's no surprise to see trade rumors for Pascal Siakam in 2024. The Raptors have flirted with .500 basketball, and although they have a bright future ahead of them, they may not be able to be Ready to compete right now.
If anything, a Raptors rebuild seems imminent and the wisest decision. Siakam and OG Anunoby haven't agreed to sign contract extensions, and it doesn't seem likely they'll be interested in remaining with the organization after testing free agency.
With that in mind, and a look at some of the Warriors' trade news, it looks like both teams could reach a win-win agreement. The trade deadline is about two months ahead of us, and while this may not be one of the biggest trades in NBA history, it could certainly tip the scale in the Warriors' favor in terms of competing for a championship this season.
Why the Warriors need to trade for Siakam
Trade rumors about Dia, Taxes and Pascal Siakam in 2024. It's been this way for years, but this might be the time for it to finally happen. It makes a lot of sense right now, otherwise Masai Ujiri risks losing one of his stars for nothing.
There should be plenty of competitors for the Cameroonian big man, but no team should be more aggressive than the Golden State Warriors, as he is tailor-made for Steve Kerr's system and could put an end to most of the Warriors' woes this season. .
Siakam could be a perfect fit next to Draymond Green. He can stabilize their defense with his long wingspan and protect the rim, all without being responsible for the offense due to his shooting. He's perfect for the Warriors lineup, and he's another shot-maker and playmaker.
Dario Saric has struggled guarding positions, and Kevon Looney can't stay on the floor for 48 minutes. Siakam would serve as the ultimate insurance policy, as Looney could return to the bench and serve as a defensive specialist in certain sets.
The Warriors will finally have an interior presence, something they have lacked since Andrew Bogut. Furthermore, Siakam can give them 20 points per game through efficient shooting and then become an additional defender on the other end of the court.
Why the Raptors need this to happen
The Raptors could target Moses Mudiay, Jonathan Kuminga, and Andrew Wiggins in this trade, and that would be the final wool on an expiring contract. Wiggins will return home and play in Canada for the first time in his career, offering his athleticism and dual skill set. If they don't like it, they can even flip it for venture capital and send it to another competitor.
The real win is to get Modi and Kuminga. Moody has outplayed Klay Thompson for stretches this season, but Kerr hasn't rewarded him with more playing time. He appears reluctant to give younger players longer, although Moody has proven to be an effective scorer at three levels and an instant source of attack off the bench.
As for Kuminga, it would be hard to imagine a more athletic duo in the front court with him and Scottie Barnes. They can play defense and score 20+ points on any given night, and they will be one of the most promising and exciting duos in the league for years to come.
Kuminga is a former top-10 player who has always shown glimpses of great play, yet has been stymied in the Bay Area. He needs a change of scenery to be at his best, and paying for a rebuilding team without any pressure may be what he needs to become a two-way star.
