How This Trade Impacts Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors have not been shopping Pascal Siakam, but his name continues popping up in some trade rumors. The Sacramento Kings have attempted to land him in a trade, and the Portland Trail Blazers would be another good fit.
But, neither team has a player such as Ben Simmons that could be offered for him. If the Raptors had this offer on the table, they would jump at the chance to get it done.
Siakam has developed well with the Raptors, but the team selected Scottie Barnes with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. He will eventually step into the starting power forward role that Siakam currently occupies, which is why some of the rumors have popped up.
The Raptors have a lot in place that is needed to help a team that has Simmons succeed. They have players that can carry the scoring load in Fred VanVleet, Gary Trent Jr., and OG Anunoby. All three can spread the floor as well.
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Simmons would also give Toronto another defensive ace, as Anunoby and VanVleet are excellent defensive players. Teams would find it extremely difficult to score on a long, athletic Raptors team.
While Simmons doesn’t offer the offensive punch that Siakam does, the Raptors ceiling would be a lot higher with him in the fold. At 25-years old, Toronto could hold out hope that Simmons would eventually find his confidence again offensively, giving them a player capable of being among the very best in the NBA.
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The two first-round picks, along with Siakam, would be worth the risk. Toronto would have their own picks and the extra one from Philadelphia in 2023 to try and execute another deal for an established player if they end up being closer to contending than anticipated.
