The Toronto Raptors remain a significant focus of the NBA trade market ahead of the Feb. 8 midseason deadline, with names like Pascal Siakam and O.G. Anunoby drawing trade interest from around the league.
According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, Anunoby and Siakam are expected to draw trade interest from teams, including the Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, and Indiana Pacers. Still, Siakam is the "likelier" player to be moved.
"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," Charania wrote.
The Raptors have been reluctant to undergo a rebuilding effort despite both Anunoby and Siakam being key names in trade rumors during the offseason. After getting off to a 9-13 start through 22 games, Toronto has yet to take a step forward to be a contender — ranking just 11th in the Eastern Conference standings.
Anunoby and Siakam are in the final year of their respective contracts, so a resolution involving both players will likely be reached before the midseason trade deadline. Otherwise, the Raptors would risk potential free agency departure. Fred VanVleet and Kyle Lowry faced similar situations as they played out their final season with the team in recent years.
The three teams with an expressed interest in Siakam — the Hawks, Kings, and Pacers — each are small market teams seeking to reach the next level as a franchise. The 29-year-old forward has gotten off to a slower start than he's accustomed to having, but regardless, he'd surely bring a new dynamic to any of those organizations.
Siakam is averaging 20.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in 22 games played this season. He is coming off his second All-Star appearance last season while having two career All-NBA nominations, with his most recent occurring in 2022.
