“Raptors’ Trade Pursuit: Seeking Quality Talent for Siakam with Eyes on Mathurin or Walker”
The Toronto Raptors might not secure the franchise-altering package they desired for star forward Pascal Siakam in a potential trade. However, the substantial return obtained for OG Anunoby could motivate Masai Ujiri to prioritize acquiring a mix of quality players for both immediate and long-term success.
Siakam has been part of trade discussions across the league, with contenders like the Dallas Mavericks and Sacramento Kings exploring potential deals. While interest from some suitors has waned, the Indiana Pacers have remained in consistent talks as negotiations progress.
Despite the Raptors facing challenges in recent months, Siakam has maintained a high level of performance on both ends of the court. If a trade with Indiana materializes, Ujiri is firm in his stance that one of the Pacers’ top young prospects must be included in the return package.
As per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Raptors are resolute in seeking either Bennedict Mathurin or Jarace Walker as part of the deal if Siakam is traded to Indiana. These demands set ambitious expectations, considering Siakam’s potential free agency in the offseason if a trade does not materialize.
Pascal Siakam trade update via @wojespn:
– Siakam will have a lot of say on where he goes due to his expiring contract.
– Raptors and Siakam are “nowhere close” on an extension.
– Woj mentions the Pacers as a legitimate threat to sign Siakam to a max contract this offseason.… pic.twitter.com/k6RvsgyZga
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) January 12, 2024
The Toronto Raptors are seeking either Jarace Walker or Bennedict Mathurin in exchange for Pascal Siakam.
Walker, whose playing style aligns with Ujiri’s preferences, has seen limited action in his rookie season due to more experienced players ahead of him in the rotation. Despite Walker’s modest statistics, Ujiri might find his defensive potential and versatility appealing enough to consider trading Siakam for him.
Considering Gary Trent Jr.’s impending free agency and Gradey Dick’s struggles, Mathurin presents Toronto with a more established option for scoring off the bench. Although his scoring average has dipped from 16.7 points per game last year to 14.7 points per game, Mathurin has displayed increased efficiency both inside and outside the arc.
Wojnarowski’s report indicates that Indiana is reluctant to include either of these players in a potential deal, potentially leading to a breakdown in negotiations if Toronto remains steadfast. While Ujiri has successfully acquired talents like RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, Indiana may be hesitant to part with players of similar caliber for an older expiring contract.
As the Siakam trade discussions persist, the Raptors, seemingly unwilling to offer him a contract extension, continue exploring potential deals. With other teams losing interest, the Pacers could remain engaged in negotiations if they determine that neither Walker nor Mathurin is considered untouchable.
