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[Saba Sports News] Pascal Siakam’s future with the Toronto Raptors may not be as straightforward as OG Anunoby’s recent move to the New York Knicks, suggests veteran NBA writer Marc Stein in a Substack post. Stein reports that Siakam, who is in the last season of his contract with Toronto, is taking a significant stance on his future. If traded, Siakam reportedly would be reluctant to sign a two-year extension with his new team, preferring instead to enter free agency for more control over his career.
Siakam, a two-time All-Star forward, has been at the center of trade speculation, with recent reports linking him to three different teams. However, his reported stance could substantially cool the interest of potential suitors, as they might not receive any long-term commitment from him, potentially making him a costly short-term acquisition.
Although a new team would have the financial upper hand in offering Siakam the most money in free agency, this advantage might be nullified if Siakam is intent on playing elsewhere.
The situation is particularly precarious because, unlike other cases where teams have successfully gambled on trading for stars who initially didn’t want to join them, Siakam has the immediate option of free agency. This makes acquiring him a risky move for any team considering a trade before the deadline.