Grade the Trade: Hawks get Pascal Siakam in 3-team blockbuster proposal
By Tyler Watts
Would Toronto Raptors trade Pascal Siakam to Atlanta Hawks?
Siakam reportedly wants to sign an extension with the Raptors, but the two sides are not talking. He is entering the final year of his contract, so Toronto needs to lock him in long-term or explore the trade market. It appears they are currently choosing the latter.
Siakam’s willingness to discuss an extension with the team that acquires him impacts his value. Teams will be hesitant to give up more than one first-round draft pick for an expiring contract. If the two-time All-Star is open to a long-term deal in Atlanta, the Hawks would be willing to offer more.
If Toronto decides to rebuild, they could turn Hunter and Hardaway Jr. into more draft capital at the trade deadline. Here they get five draft picks, including a first-rounder from the Hawks. That is worth a B-plus when dealing a star on an expiring contract.
The Dallas Mavericks only have two second-round picks to offer, so they walk away with an A for dumping THJ and McGee to get back Clint Capela and Garrison Matthews. The Raptors might ask for a first-round pick from Dallas, but they are unwilling to part with their only one available because they cannot protect it.
What about the Atlanta Hawks? Should they make this deal if it gets put on the table?