Raptors ‘On Verge’ of Pascal Siakam Breakup; Can Mavs Pull Off Trade?
After weeks of rumor and speculation, it appears that Pascal Siakam’s time with the Toronto Raptors will be coming to an end soon. According to a report from Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes, the Raptors on "on the verge of parting ways" with Siakam.
Of course, this could have Dallas Mavericks implications, as they've been linked to Siakam several times in trade rumors over the last few weeks. And it's a tricky situation too, as teams have been hesitant to trade for Siakam unless they believe he'll re-sign with them in the offseason. The soon-to-be 30-year-old power forward is on an expiring $37.8 million contract and will be an unrestricted free agent come summertime.
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Although one report from Marc Stein stated that Dallas' interest in the two-time All-Star has been "overstated," we tend to think that might have more to do with the fact that other teams have better potential offers. Because surely a team that has the frontcourt situation that the Mavs have would be very interested in acquiring a 6-8 versatile wing, right? It all comes down to price and opportunity ... just like it did with Kyrie Irving last season.
However, if the asking price is simply too much, you can't blame the Mavs for considering the risk that comes along with trading for a potential half-season rental. It worked out with Irving last season, who had the Mavs on his preferred destination list, but there's no guarantee that it would work out again with Siakam.
Do the Mavs want to pay Siakam the full-term max he reportedly seeks while also having Luka Doncic and Irving on the books for big money? That might depend on how much the new Mavs' majority owners feel about the luxury tax and the second tax apron that severely limits team-building.
With the NBA trade deadline less than one month away, rumors and reports are heating up, and we'll be keeping tabs on not only Siakam, but Portland Trail Blazers' Jerami Grant, Washington Wizards' Kyle Kuzma, Brooklyn Nets' Dorian Finney-Smith, Charlotte Hornets' P.J. Washington and many others ahead of the Feb. 8 buzzer.
