Report: Raptors Unlikely to Move Pascal Siakam Despite Widespread Interest
Pascal Siakam doesn't appear to be going anywhere.
The Toronto Raptors are reportedly unlikely to part ways with their All-NBA forward ahead of the NBA trade deadline despite interest from multiple teams, according to Yahoo's Jake Fischer. The Brooklyn Nets are one of the teams to register interest in the 28-year-old but, as Fischer reports, "there remains hefty skepticism" he's dealt before Thursday.
A Siakam trade is made extra complicated by his $35.4 million contract this season that requires Toronto to receive a similar dollar figure in return for the team's star. Siakam's offensive fit as a lead ball-handler and offensive creator can almost be difficult to trade in-season and players of his caliber are often moved in off-season deals rather than in-season deals.
Brooklyn has yet to finalize the Kyrie Irving trade and could try to entice the Raptors into a deal with Spencer Dinwiddie and future draft picks. The Nets, however, are limited in their available picks to trade because of the initial James Harden deal with the Houston Rockets.
Ultimately, the Raptors are far more likely to trade Fred VanVleet, Gary Trent Jr., and/or O.G. Anunoby this week. Siakam's contract, fit, and trade value make it too difficult to find a deal in-season.
Further Reading
Report: Nets exploring Fred VanVleet deal for Spencer Dinwiddie & draft picks
Raptors end road trip on a high but changes loom as Toronto returns home
Report: Nets have reached out to Raptors with trade interest
Report: Raptors prefer young players to draft picks in O.G. Anunoby deal