The Sacramento Kings are a critical suitor for Toronto Raptors ahead Pascal Siakam, in keeping with a brand new report from NBA insider Shams Charania. The Raptors not too long ago traded OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks, and may very well be trying to transfer one other key piece of their core in Siakam with the two-time All-Star within the ultimate yr of his contract.
Replace Friday evening: In keeping with a brand new report from Shams, the Kings are pulling out of the Siakam talks:
The Sacramento Kings are deciding to drag out of the Pascal Siakam talks, sources say. Issues will be fluid, however Kings-Raptors talks are actually over. https://t.co/oQtwcbKtjF
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 6, 2024
Siakam turns 30 years outdated in April. He’s had a slight dip in manufacturing as he’s struggled to shoot from the skin (28.8 % from three-point vary on 3.7 makes an attempt per sport) and Toronto has run extra actions by way of youthful teammate Scottie Barnes. He was an All-Star as not too long ago as final season, and was after all a key piece within the Raptors’ 2019 NBA championship crew. A 6’8, 230-pound ahead with a 7’3 wingspan, Siakam has had a fame as a powerful defender for years, although his defensive metrics have slipped a bit this season.
Right here’s the report from Charania:
It was reported earlier within the day that the Kings are making Harrison Barnes, Kevin Huerter, and Davion Mitchell out there in a commerce, in keeping with Jake Fischer of Yahoo! Sports activities. These three gamers for Siakam works as a commerce salary-wise. The Kings additionally personal all of their future first spherical picks past 2024.
Siakam’s subsequent contract is probably the most important piece of the pie. What’s it going to take to re-sign him? Will he nonetheless be value a near-max deal as he ages if he can’t enhance his bounce shot?
In Sacramento, Siakam would type a ‘massive three’ alongside De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. The Kings are presently 20-13 total, and rank No. 13 in offense and No. 16 in protection. They’d be the No. 5 seed within the West if the season ended as we speak.
This deal might make sense for either side. What number of first spherical picks does Sacramento need to throw in? What kind of protections would they’ve? There’s a path to a commerce right here, however it must happen earlier than the NBA commerce deadline on Feb. 8.