The Raptors franchise is approaching a crossroads.
As the 2023 offseason got underway, Toronto’s plans to run things back were derailed with the news of Fred VanVleet leaving for Houston via free agency. With the loss of one former All-Star, all eyes now shift to the Raptors’ other All-Star, Pascal Siakam, who, like VanVleet, is 29 years old and in the prime of his career.
Siakam, who is entering the final year of a four-year, $136.9 million maximum contract that began in 2020, is coming off a season in which he earned the second All-Star selection of his seven-year career. And while Siakam hasn’t formally been made available, teams are beginning to inquire.
The Sporting News is tracking the most notable rumors surrounding Toronto’s franchise player.
MORE: Tracking the latest trade rumors involving Damian Lillard
There’s ‘a lot of noise’ surrounding Pascal Siakam
Date: July 3
Rumor: During an appearance on Sportsnet’s “Raptors Show,” Michael Grange spoke on the developing situation surrounding Toronto, adding that the entire league has an eye on Siakam potentially becoming available.
“I’m not convinced that an extension for Pascal Siakam from the Raptors is automatically forthcoming. I think that there is a real possibility that there is some movement there.”
Reported by: Michael Grange, Sportsnet
Pascal Siakam is ‘an interesting player to monitor’ with trade talks intensifying league-wide
Date: July 2
Rumor: Given the start to the offseason for Toronto and the number of moves being made around the NBA, Siakam’s name is one that continues to be mentioned in trade conversations.
Among the teams specifically interested in Siakam is Atlanta, who has been making a number of moves this offseason.
Reported by: Michael Grange, Sportsnet
Hawks ‘trying’ to convince Toronto to deal Pascal Siakam
Date: June 24
Rumor: The Hawks, viewed as one of the more active teams in the league this summer, were trying to move John Collins (who would later be traded to the Jazz).
As part of their aggressive offseason plan, Atlanta has “been trying — without success — to convince Toronto to part with Pascal Siakam.”
Reported by: Marc Stein, NBA Insider
Hawks’ pursuit of Pascal Siakam includes ‘several creative packages’
Date: June 22
Rumor: Ahead of the NBA Draft, it is reported that Atlanta is in serious pursuit of Siakam, putting together a number of packages, including a three-team scenario.
That said, “opposing front offices still believe the Raptors’ high valuation of their players, such as Siakam and O.G. Anunoby, marks the biggest roadblock to any potential trade.”
Reported by: Jake Fischer, Yahoo! Sports
