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These NBA stars might switch teams sooner rather than later

By Gabriel Coelho

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 20: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks (L) and Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers embrace after a game at Wells Fargo Center on October 20, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 20: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks (L) and Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers embrace after a game at Wells Fargo Center on October 20, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /
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3. Pascal Siakam

The Toronto Raptors are nearing a crossroads, where they may have to choose between rebuilding (in that case, maybe just reshaping) or contending. While that path is unclear, Pascal Siakam is playing high-level basketball on a nightly basis.

After being elected Most Improved Player in 2019, Pascal has also earned two All-Star and All-NBA selections, earning himself a spot amongst the league’s best forwards. However, his name is involved in trade rumors because he’s 29, expensive, and the Raptors could decide to retool around the much-younger Scottie Barnes.

Siakam is on an expiring contract and it isn’t clear if he’ll find an agreement with the franchise to extend their eight-year tenure together. According to The Athletic, Toronto turned down a trade offer from the Atlanta Hawks, which was centered around De’Andre Hunter, AJ Griffin and draft compensation. It indicates that the Raptors are valuing more what Siakam can present on court than his contract length.

Toronto is also about to decide what to do with another important player potentially hitting the market next year, since OG Anunoby has a player option for next season and is expected to become a free agent. After watching Fred VanVleet leave to join the Houston Rockets, the Raptors might be ready to part ways with other main core pieces from the last couple of years, while turning Barnes into the team’s cornerstone.

Whether it is via trade or during the next free agency, we shouldn’t be surprised to see Pascal Siakam on a new team in the near future.

Potential destinations: Atlanta Hawks, Indiana Pacers, Charlotte Hornets

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