Pros and cons of potentially trading for Pascal Siakam for the Atlanta Hawks

If you’ve been paying attention to the rumor mill over the past few weeks, you would know that the Atlanta Hawks have been linked to Toronto Raptors star power forward Pascal Siakam for quite some time. Siakam, 29, is fresh off a career year with the Raptors. The seven-year NBA veteran averaged career-highs in points per game (24.2) and assists per game (5.8) in the 2022-2023 season. Despite the career year, Siakam could not get the Raptors out of the play-in tournament as they fell to the Chicago Bulls at home in the nine-seed vs 10-seed game.

After the departure of Kawhi Leonard, Siakam instantly became the first option in Toronto as the Raptors made him the focus of the offense. Since becoming the number one guy in the 2019-2020 season, Siakam has posted averages of 22.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. All while shooting 47.2% from the field and 33.3% from the three-point line. He has also made two All-Star teams as well as being a two-time All-NBA member.

In a short amount of time, Siakiam has developed into one of the best forwards in the league and he hasn’t even hit age 30 yet. That will change soon as he gears up for his age-30 season. But he still has a lot of basketball left in him. Looking at the numbers, he’s gotten better each season he’s been in the league and has warranted a lot of interest from outside teams.

Despite the rumors that Siakam would rather stay in Toronto, that hasn’t stopped other teams from expressing interest in him. Furthermore, there was a thought that the Raptors might blow it up after the events that transpired this offseason. That hasn’t happened as of now as Siakam continues to remain with the Raptors.

It is clear Siakam could make an impact, but is it worth it for the Hawks to trade for the star big man?

Here are the pros and cons of a Siakam trade: