Breaking news: OKC Thunder Eyeing Pascal Siakam! Ends Up In Sacrifice…
As trade season gets closer and closer, big names start to be involved within rumors across the NBA. One of the hottest commodities right now is Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam, a two-time All-Star and former NBA Champion. Siakam is putting up averages of 22.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and five assists per game on 52.5% shooting this season — similar numbers to his last few seasons. The only thing dramatically down is his 30.8% 3-point percentage, a problem that has affected his performance throughout the year.
It’s just one issue for an otherwise All-Star level talent, however, so many teams will look to trade for him to push into contending status. That includes the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings, but the Oklahoma City Thunder also has the capability to put its name in the Siakam pool. THE ATHLETIC TRADE PROPOSAL Oklahoma City Receives: Pascal Siakam Toronto Receives: Cason Wallace, Luguentz Dort, Davis Bertans, Houston 2024 first-round pick (protected top-four) and better of Miami 2025 (protected 1-14, unprotected in 2026) or Philadelphia (protected top-four) first-round picks Due to his expiring contract and unsure free agency desires, trading for Siakam may not take as much as it might’ve a year ago. It will still take some large assets from the roster to make it work, though, including Wallace and Dort in this proposal.
To acquire great players you have to trade away great players, so Oklahoma City won’t have a choice in giving away some of its better players for Siakam. Trading Dort and Wallace would be tough. Dort has been with the Thunder since 2019 and has fully transitioned into a three-and-D player, giving it quality minutes at the small forward position on both sides of the court. Wallace on the other hand has been one of the top performing rookies this season, and has plenty of potential to grow into a starting caliber player. Siakam can bring a much larger skillset in the Thunder’s starting lineup though, adding another 20-plus points per game to a stacked starting lineup with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren. He can provide pretty much anything outside of 3-point shooting, which can get covered up by some of Oklahoma City’s efficient shooters.
The fit between Siakam and Holmgren is an important aspect to consider when making the move, and it could be a tremendous success. Holmgren’s floor-spacing ability allows Siakam to flourish in the mid-range game and in the paint, while making significant impacts on the defensive end together. Both players would open up their respective games in a positive way, creating quite the frontcourt pairing. The biggest question mark is the contract situation, and the Thunder will have to ensure that he will re-sign to make the trade worth accepting. One season of Siakam will be beneficial, but a long-term contract guarantees he will stay in Oklahoma City for a significant time and be a part of its future. The NBA trade deadline is set for Feb. 8, and only time will tell if the Thunder feel it necessary to add Siakam to its growing core.