We’re just over a month into the 2023-24 NBA season, and it feels as if trade rumors have continuously swirled since opening night. One reason for this might be the trade chatter around Damian Lillard and James Harden that spanned most of the offseason. Now that Lillard and Harden have found new homes with the Bucks and Clippers, respectively, the next big name in trade rumors is Raptors forward Pascal Siakam.
Although the 29-year-old was a subject of offseason trade rumors, he remained in Toronto. But whether Siakam still will be there through the trade deadline sounds more and more like a long shot considering the immense interest the forward has received.
The latest trade buzz points to “several” teams having interest in a potential trade for Siakam, but four to watch closely include the 76ers, Hawks, Kings and Pacers, according to Hoops Hype’s Michael Scotto.
Several teams could make a trade for Siakam, including the Hawks, Kings, 76ers, Pacers, etc. The two-time All-NBA and All-Star player will be looking for a max contract, or as close to it as possible this summer
The “etc.” added to the end of the list is noteworthy and obviously insinuates there could be numerous other potential suitors for Siakam. But the four teams highlighted stand out for myriad reasons, and any of them would make sense as a possible destination. For Philadelphia, the trade that sent Harden to the Clippers makes them a top candidate to strike a potential blockbuster deal.
As for Atlanta, Sacramento and Indiana, Siakam could significantly upgrade any of those teams, especially when it comes to their postseason outlook. The Hawks and Kings both made first-round exits last postseason, while the Pacers failed to reach the playoffs.
Aside from Atlanta, the three other teams are all currently in the top six of their respective conferences, while the Hawks sit right on the fringe of an Eastern Conference play-in game berth.
