76ers Trade Rumors: Pascal Siakam Seeking Max Contract in Free Agency

Potential Sixers trade target wants sizable contract this offseason.

In the weeks leading up to the trade deadline, the Philadelphia 76ers have been connected to a wide range of players. Recent developments regarding one potential target could cause the front office to go in another direction. 

Since OG Anunoby got traded to the New York Knicks, Pascal Siakam has become one of the key names on the trade market. Some analysts have clamored for the Sixers to go after him, but it doesn't seem like the team is heavily pursuing this avenue. 

While detailing the latest regarding the Siakam situation, Sam Amick of The Athletic detailed his impending free agency. He stated that no matter where the former All-Star ends up, he'll be seeking a max contract when he hits the open market this summer. 

"It remains possible that the Raptors and Siakam will agree on an extension, especially if the trade market is underwhelming enough that Toronto's president, Masai Ujiri, decides to hold onto him past the deadline," Amick wrote. "But either way, Siakam is seeking a full-term, max-salary deal no matter where he ultimately lands." 

The Sacramento Kings were a key team linked to Siakam, but reports emerged this week that talks have ended. Among the other teams to express interest in the Raptors forward is the Indiana Pacers. 

For the Sixers, this update might deter them from pursuing a Siakam trade before the deadline. While they'll have the cap space to sign a max-level guy, he might not be the type of player they are targeting. Even with his championship experience, his fit alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey is questionable. 

Siakam has appeared in 37 games for the Raptors this season and is averaging 22.2 PPG, 6.4 RPG, and 5.0 APG. He is also in the midst of one of his worst three-point shooting seasons, connecting on just 30.8% of his attempts.