The Golden State Warriors have been linked to a trade for Pascal Siakam of the Toronto Raptors. The veteran forward is in the final year of his contract and will become an unrestricted free agent this summer. While the trade would come with some risks, Golden State needs fresh talent, having already lost 20 games this season.
According to Matt Moore of The Action Network, a deal centered around Andrew Wiggins and either Jonathan Kuminga or Moses Moody would likely be enough to get a deal over the line.
“Two league sources this week said that the Raptors would have an interest in Jonathan Kuminga or Moses Moody as the centerpiece of a deal,” Moore wrote. “A deal would bring back Andrew Wiggins, who would instantly become hugely popular alongside RJ Barrett as a native Canadian. … Siakam would work well in Steve Kerr’s system and would not face the same kind of harsh eye Kuminga has, which has sparked drama this season.”
It’s worth noting Marc Stein recently reported Siakam’s desire to test free agency this summer. A primary reason for doing so is any team that acquired him via trade would be limited to offering him a two-year deal, as opposed to the four-year contract he could sign as a free agent in the off-season.
“Any team that trades for Siakam before the Feb. 8 buzzer — now that we’ve passed Dec. 30 — can only offer him a two-year extension,” Stein reported. “Word is Siakam, if he’s dealt, is unlikely to sign off on a two-year extension and would prefer, again, to proceed to unrestricted free agency.”
With the risk of Siakam walking away for nothing in the summer, the Warriors will be unlikely to part ways with one of their best young talents. They would need a verbal commitment that Siakam would be willing to re-sign in the summer.
Nevertheless, it’s becoming increasingly likely the Warriors make a trade in the coming weeks. Who they trade for is a question that we may not have an answer to in the near future.
