NBA Trade Machine: Can Golden State Warriors acquire Pascal Siakam by selling key assets like Draymond Green?
Leading up to the trade deadline, Pascal Siakam is a hot name on the market. If the Toronto Raptors decide to push towards a rebuild, a market is sure to form for the 2019 NBA champion.
One team that could go all-in and acquire Siakam is the Golden State Warriors. With championship experience, he could help them add another title to their resumé.
In 42 games this season, Siakam is averaging 25.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game. Adding that kind of firepower to a team like the Warriors will make them even tougher to play against.
If the Warriors wanted to acquire Pascal Siakam, it would involve parting ways with a key piece. To make things work from a financial standpoint, Draymond Green and James Wiseman could be involved in a deal.
Green has a player option for next season and is expected to opt out. While he may want to stay with Golden State, they've made it clear they are not offering him a big contract. A deal like this would allow them to recoup some value instead of him walking away in the offseason for nothing.
Wiseman hasn't impressed in his young NBA career, but going to a rebuilding team like the Raptors could help him develop in a new environment.
Does Pascal Siakam turn the Golden State Warriors into a legitimate contender?
Losing Draymond Green would be a huge blow for the Warriors, but adding a player like Pascal Siakam makes them a legitimate contender this season.
What the Golden State Warriors would lose in defense they would gain in offense. Siakam has shown that he can elevate his game in the postseason. Alongside Kawhi Leonard, he helped carry the Toronto Raptors to their first championship in franchise history.
Along with adding more offensive firepower, Siakam also gives the Warriors the same flexibility that Green did. Steve Kerr could still roll out a small-ball lineup with him at the center position. While his defense is not on the same level as Green, he is still capable of holding his own against other bigs.
The Warriors' trio obviously want to ride off into the sunset together, however, money appears to be a growing issue. This could mean their time together is rapidly approaching its end. This season could be their last chance to win another championship together in Golden State.