Report: Kings Would Trade for Siakam Without Knowing if He’d Re-Sign
Despite previously backing out of trade conversations abruptly with the Toronto Raptors on Pascal Siakam, it seems the Sacramento Kings aren’t quite throwing in the towel on a potential deadline blockbuster.
Earlier this month, the Kings were reported to be in serious conversations with the Raptors for a trade of the 2x All-NBA forward. As talks progressed, contractual concerns arose that indicated Siakam may just be a half-season rental, which led to Sacramento ultimately deciding to kick the tires.
However, hopes of a Siakam to Sacramento move are yet to be totally dead.
According to a new report from Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, the Kings would still have interest in trading for the Raptors’ All-Star, even without an assurance that he’d stick around long term:
"My understanding is that the Kings would still trade for Siakam even without the assurance that he'd re-sign, but his lack of commitment certainly changes the assets they'd be willing to give up alongside Harrison Barnes and Kevin Huerter,"
The 2019 NBA champion has had a respectable first half of his 2023-24 campaign, averaging 22.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists on 52.2/31.7/75.8 splits in 39 games. Any team interested in acquiring Pascal would get a well-rounded forward with good size and winning experience.
What adds hesitancy to any deal involving Siakam, though, does revolve around his contract situation. Pascal is currently in the last year of his deal worth $37.8 million and will hit the free agency market this summer. Whoever ends up securing his services at the deadline will likely have to pay a steep price to keep him around, and that is what the Kings would ultimately have to make a tough decision on.
The Sacramento payroll already consists of All-NBA talents De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis on max deals, and rising star Keegan Murray will be up to get his bag real soon. Adding another hefty contract to the mix might make things a bit too expensive, especially with the new CBA in place.
Still, adding another All-Star to this Kings core could be too glamorous to pass on. It gives the roster enough firepower in the starting five to stack up against any of the star-heavy juggernauts in their division, let alone in the entire conference. It all relies on how aggressive GM Monte McNair is willing to be in the pursuit of an NBA Finals push.
Answers will be on the way soon for Kings fans, with the February 8th cutoff getting closer by the day.
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