Surprise Western Conference team emerging as 'serious suitor' for Pascal Siakam

Appearing on Stadium’s show "The Rally," Shams Charania confirmed the Raptors “are ramping up trade talks around Pascal Siakam.”

“I’m told the Sacramento Kings are emerging as a serious suitor (for) Siakam,” Charania said. “They’re among the offers and options that Toronto has.”

Charania went on to explain that the Kings are increasingly interested in forming a “big three” featuring De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis and Siakam.

However, as Charania observes, Siakam is playing on an expiring $37.9M contract, which will complicate any negotiations for potential suitors. For example, if Siakam is open to re-signing with a team interested in trading for him, that could help facilitate a deal; if he’s not, it could “dissuade some teams,” Charania said.

Jake Fischer from Yahoo Sports cited Sacramento, Indiana and Detroit as prime landing spots for Siakam earlier on Friday, also reporting that the Kings were open to moving Davion Mitchell, and have been gauging the value of a package headed by Harrison Barnes and Kevin Huerter. Multiple reporters have stated Keegan Murray is off the table in trade talks.

A two-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA forward, Siakam is averaging 22.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists on .521/.288/.751 shooting in 34 games this season (34.9 minutes). The 29-year-old has spent all eight of his NBA seasons to this point with the Raptors, who selected him No. 27 overall back in 2016.