The big tentpole events of the NBA offseason are over, but that doesn’t mean teams are done trading just yet.
The Raptors have been in the news lately, with All-Star forward Pascal Siakam’s name popping up in trade rumors.
This is far from the first time Toronto has dangled one of its talented young players to see what a possible return might look like. This means that it is far from certain that Siakam would be moved at all.
In the event the Raptors entertain a Siakam trade, Sportsnet’s Michael Grange has mentioned The Hawks, Pacers and Magic are all interested in acquiring the two-time All-Star’s talents.
Who are some of the best players the Raptors could potentially land in return for Siakam? The Sporting News ranks them by team below.
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Who are the best players the Raptors could get in a Pascal Siakam trade?
Atlanta Hawks
It’s safe to assume Trae Young is off-limits. Dejounte Murray can’t be traded yet because he just signed a contract extension, and I don’t think Toronto would be interested in Clint Capela after re-signing Jakob Poeltl to a lucrative deal.
Working against Atlanta is that they can only trade two first-round picks — a 2024 first-rounder from the Kings and their own 2029 or 2030 first-rounder.
1. Bogdan Bogdanovic
The Raptors need a shot-making playmaker, and Bogdanovic fits the bill. The 30-year-old has averaged 15.1 points and 3.0 assists while shooting 40.0 percent from 3 over his three seasons in Atlanta. He’s been linked to Toronto before, and it’s an added bonus that he’s a Serbian native, just like new head coach Darko Rajakovic.
2. De’Andre Hunter
Hunter screams “prototypical Raptor.” The 25-year-old is a 6-8 forward with a 7-2 wingspan and would give Toronto another defensive stopper who can guard multiple positions. Over his last two seasons, Hunter has shot 36.2 percent from 3.
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3. Mr. Okongwu
Okongwu has shown steady progression over his three NBA seasons, averaging 9.9 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game last season. His role has been limited behind Capela, but the 22-year-old could break out in a thin Raptors frontcourt.
4. Kobe Bufkin
The Raptors worked out Bufkin ahead of the 2023 NBA Draft, and some believed he would be their pick at No. 13. The 19-year-old combo guard would be a developmental project for a Toronto team that desperately needs backcourt depth.
5. AJ Griffin
Griffin was widely considered to be one of the best shooters in the 2022 NBA Draft. He shot 39.0 percent from 3 as a rookie and is still only 19 years old.
6. Jalen Johnson
Johnson is emerging as one of Atlanta’s better long-term prospects, and he’s provided some valuable minutes down the stretch this past season and in the playoffs. His versatile skills at 6-9 would be exciting for Toronto.
7. Saddiq Bey
Bey is another sharpshooter who knocked down 40.0 percent of his 3s after being traded to Atlanta at the deadline last season. He’s a little one-dimensional, but he’s only 24 and could grow in the Raptors’ system.
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers are likely looking to build around a core of Tyrese Haliburton, Myles Turner, Bennedict Mathurin, Jarace Walker and Bruce Brown, so let’s assume those five players are off-limits in a potential trade.
Indiana can also boost any trade package because it owns all of its future first-round picks.
1. Buddy Hield
Hield tops the list because he is one of the best 3-point shooters in the NBA. Even at age 30, the Raptors could use a sniper like Hield, who has made over 250 3s in five consecutive seasons while shooting 40.0 percent from deep in that span.
2. Andrew Nembhardt
A Canadian native, Nembhard would have to be included in any deal between the Pacers and Raptors. The 23-year-old would immediately become the best point guard on Toronto’s roster.
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3. Isaiah Jackson
Jackson is the type of long, energetic big man who would thrive with the Raptors. Playing time has been limited since Turner, but Jackson has proven how impactful he can be, averaging 7.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in just 16.0 minutes per game. match over two seasons.
4. TJ McConnell
McConnell has been a reliable backup point guard throughout his NBA career, and the Raptors could use the guard depth if Indiana is willing to throw him in a deal.
5. Jalen Smith
Smith is a former top-10 pick who has had an up-and-down career, but the Raptors should look to take a flier on the 23-year-old forward.
Orlando Magic
The Magic have a ton of overlap with young players on their depth chart, meaning they have more flexibility than most teams in a potential deal. Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Wendell Carter Jr. and Anthony Black are the only four players that I would think are completely off the trade block.
Orlando, like Indiana, could boost any trade package because it owns all of its future first-round picks.
1. Jalen Suggs
Of all the players on this list, Suggs would be my No. 1 option for the Raptors. I loved the fit between him and Toronto before the 2021 NBA Draft, and even though his career has gotten off to a slow start, I still think he’ll make a big jump if he landed with the Raptors.
2. Markelle Fultz
A former No. 1 overall pick, Fultz has revitalized his career in Orlando as a tenacious perimeter defender and slashing scorer. The Raptors could give Fultz the keys to their offense immediately.
3. Jonathan Isaac
Isaac has played in just 11 games over the past three seasons due to an ACL injury, but the 6-11 forward had the potential to become one of the most promising all-around defenders in the league. He is still only 25 years old.
4. Jett Howard
Howard also worked out for the Raptors ahead of the 2023 NBA Draft and was considered a target for them at No. 13. The 6-8 shooter fits the timeline along with Scottie Barnes and Gradey Dick.
5. Cole Anthony
Anthony is the type of microwave scorer that could give Toronto’s lackluster second unit a jolt. He has averaged 14.2 points and 4.6 assists per game over three seasons.
6. Caleb Houston
The Raptors should see if Orlando would throw Houston in a potential deal. The 20-year-old Canadian native is a 6-8 wing with solid 3-and-D potential.