The Atlanta Hawks have had conversations with the Toronto Raptors surrounding Pascal Siakam dating back to the early part of the offseason. At one point, it looked like a deal might get done, but Toronto ended up deciding to hold onto him as he entered the final year of his contract. Many were puzzled by the decision, however, it doesn’t mean the Raptors won’t deal him at some point before this year’s trade deadline.
Through the first 22 games of the season, Toronto is in a very similar situation as the Hawks, sitting at 9-13 without much hope of contending in the Eastern Conference. They are also in need of a roster makeover, and Shams Charania of The Athletic recently reported that the Hawks are among the teams to watch for in pursuit of both Pascal Siakim and OG Anunoby.Â
Teams such as the Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings and Indiana Pacers are expected suitors for Siakam or Anunoby but believe Siakam appears to be the likelier player to be dealt, league sources tell The Athletic. Siakam, 29, is earning $37.9 million in the last year of his Raptors contract this season while Anunoby, 26, has a $19.9 million player option for next season that he will almost assuredly decline to enter free agency.
The Hawks held intense conversations with the Raptors surrounding a Siakam deal over the offseason, as The Athletic reported, and the Pacers and Kings have both checked in and engaged at different points with Toronto over the last year.
I’m not sold on the idea that Siakam really moves the needle for the Hawks. Would he make them better than they are today? Absolutely, but the Hawks aren’t one Pascal Siakim from challenging the likes of the Celtics, Bucks, and Sixers in a potential playoff series.
However, what I am sold on is the idea of a shake-up. Since the Hawks magical Eastern Conference run a few years ago, they haven’t really made a bunch of adjustments to the roster. The Dejounte Murray trade is the only significant addition Atlanta has made, and while he’s been good for the Hawks, it hasn’t made much of a difference in the wins department.
If anything, the Hawks have regressed since the acquisition of Murray. What they’ve been doing, isn’t working. At this point, any change would be a welcome one, but the Hawks certainly shouldn’t be in the business of giving up future draft capital and young players for someone who is a free agent at the end of the season and won’t get them any closer to a championship.
—
Photo: Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire
You must log in to post a comment.