Playing Trade or Keep With NBA’s Trade Block Stars

The Toronto Raptors got it wrong in a big way last season by failing to trade impending free agent Fred VanVleet, a mistake that’ll hopefully help them get it right this time around.

League sources expect the Raps to trade Pascal Siakam ahead of the 2024 deadline, per ESPN’s Tim Bontemps. The two-time All-NBA forward should bring back a significant return despite his expiring contract, though Toronto probably shouldn’t let its demands get too high. Many potential trade partners could sign Siakam in free agency this summer without surrendering any assets but cash, which could lead to some lowballing.

 

 

 

VanVleet’s exit—for nothing—should still be top of mind for Toronto. Better to accept a decent trade offer than to watch a star walk.

That the Raptors already moved fellow free-agent-to-be OG Anunoby (player option for 2024-25) suggests they’ve learned from last year’s FVV gaffe. What’s more, their willingness to deal Anunoby for a package from the New York Knicks built around players rather than picks could broaden the market for Siakam. Not every suitor has three first-rounders to spare, but most have one or two and an intriguing player (plus matching salary) to slide across the negotiating table.

Toronto should certainly still set a floor on what it’s willing to accept for Siakam. It can pay him more than any other team in free agency, which creates a modicum of leverage. That said, Siakam’s fit with franchise cornerstone Scottie Barnes remains uncertain, and the Raptors could do worse than re-orienting the roster around a younger core that now includes Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett.