Insider Explains Why Pascal Siakam Trade Talks Are Difficult

The Toronto Raptors have had trade talks ramp up surrounding Pascal Siakam but his reluctance to commit to an extension has complicated his value

Pascal Siakam trade chatter continues to ramp up, but a deal with the Toronto Raptors remains complicated.

The two-time All-Star forward is reportedly conveying to teams that he will not commit to re-signing with anyone who trades for him, Matt Moore said on the Locked On NBA Podcast.

“He will not give a verbal commitment whatsoever, let alone an extension with either the Pacers, the Hawks, or the Kings, or the Warriors, or any other team that trades for him. He wants to test out free agency,” Moore said.

Without some form of commitment, albeit an illegal one according to the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement, it’s hard to see Toronto getting fair value for a player of Siakam’s caliber in a trade. Interested teams are unlikely to give up their most coveted assets if Siakam is merely a rental player who could leave in free agency in the summer.

If Siakam is traded, he’d only be eligible for a two-year, $84 million extension with his new team ahead of free agency. All indications are that Siakam is not interested in an extension of that length.

With Toronto, Siakam is still eligible for a four-year, $192 million extension up until he reaches unrestricted free agency this summer. The Raptors have so far been reluctant to engage in extension talks with Siakam.

“That said, I heard the offers are continuing to ramp up. The latest that I’ve heard is the Pacers are back in and they’re very heavy. My opinion on this read is that it’s likely a smokescreen to try to drive up the price for Siakam with another team that has not been listed and I would point very likely to Golden State,” Moore added.

The Sacramento Kings and Detroit Pistons have also been among the teams most interested.