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As the 2023 offseason continues, there are plenty of eyes on the Raptors and the developing situation with Pascal Siakam.
Following the news of Fred VanVleet leaving for Houston via free agency, Toronto’s plans to run things back were immediately derailed. Like VanVleet, Siakam is 29 years old and in the prime of his career. Given the uncertainty surrounding the franchise, there are rumblings that it could look to move on from Siakam.
Siakam is entering the final year of a four-year $136.9 million maximum contract that began in 2020 and is coming off a season in which he earned the second All-Star selection of his seven-year career. There has not been a formal trade request, but a number of teams have made inquiries regarding Siakam’s availability.
The Sporting News is tracking the most notable rumors surrounding Toronto’s franchise player.
MORE: Analyzing potential trade destinations for Pascal Siakam
Magic are a “team worth watching” on the rumor mill
Date: July 11
Rumor: As an amendment to earlier reporting that documented outside interest from the Hawks and Pacers, Grange has included the Magic as a team that could emerge with an offer for Siakam.
It is worth noting that Siakam’s offseason home is in Orlando.
Reported by: Michael Grange, Sportsnet
Pacers join Hawks on list of teams interested in Pascal Siakam
Date: July 10
Rumor: With a potential contract extension still looming, Siakam is not present in Las Vegas to support the Raptors Summer League team, as there is a chance he could get moved at any time. While Toronto is still “trying to gauge the market” for Siakam, Atlanta remains interested and Indiana has now reportedly inquired.
Reported by: Michael Grange, Sportsnet
Trade talks linking Pascal Siakam to the Hawks have stalled
Date: July 5
Rumor: In the final hours of the moratorium period, the lack of traction in trade talks suggests that a deal is not imminent and becoming more and more unlikely.
“The Hawks and Raptors have discussed various concepts to send Siakam to Atlanta in recent weeks, sources said, however those conversations have not generated any forward progress of late.”
Reported by: Jake Fischer, Yahoo! Sports
A three-team deal including the Rockets has been discussed
Date: July 5
Rumor: As the moratorium period nears its end on July 6, different ways to facilitate a Siakam-to-Hawks deal have been explored.
With the Hawks’ recent reported moves of sending John Collins to the Jazz and acquiring Usman Garuba and TyTy Washington Jr. from the Rockets, there is speculation that the Raptors could logically be looped in as Atlanta can organically absorb Siakam’s salary.
Reported by: Michael Grange, Sportsnet
Trade talks around Pascal Siakam expected to heat up
Date: July 4
Rumor: As the first week of free agency continues, “there is persistent speculation” that Siakam could be traded this offseason.
While several teams have “checked in” on Siakam’s availability, it is the Hawks that have again tried to make a play for Siakam, following up on widely reported interest that dates back prior to the draft.
Reported by: Michael Grange, Sportsnet
There’s “a lot of noise” surrounding Pascal Siakam
Date: July 3
Rumor: During an appearance on Sportsnet’s “Raptors Show,” Michael Grange spoke on the developing situation surrounding Toronto, adding that the entire league has an eye on Siakam potentially becoming available.
“I’m not convinced that an extension for Pascal Siakam from the Raptors is automatically forthcoming. I think that there is a real possibility that there is some movement there.”
Reported by: Michael Grange, Sportsnet
Pascal Siakam is “an interesting player to monitor” with trade talks intensifying league-wide
Date: July 2
Rumor: Given the start to the offseason for Toronto and the number of moves being made around the NBA, Siakam’s name is one that continues to be mentioned in trade conversations.
Among the teams specifically interested in Siakam is Atlanta, which has been making a number of moves this offseason.
Reported by: Michael Grange, Sportsnet
Hawks “trying” to convince Toronto to deal Pascal Siakam
Date: June 24
Rumor: The Hawks, viewed as one of the more active teams in the league this summer, were trying to move John Collins (who would later be traded to the Jazz).
As part of their aggressive offseason plan, Atlanta has “been trying — without success — to convince Toronto to part with Pascal Siakam.”
Reported by: Marc Stein, NBA Insider
Hawks’ pursuit of Pascal Siakam includes “several creative packages”
Date: June 22
Rumor: Ahead of the NBA Draft, it is reported that Atlanta is in serious pursuit of Siakam, putting together a number of packages, including a three-team scenario.
That said, “opposing front offices still believe the Raptors’ high valuation of their players, such as Siakam and O.G. Anunoby, marks the biggest roadblock to any potential trade.”
Reported by: Jake Fischer, Yahoo! Sports