Raptors insist Pascal Siakam is ‘not being shopped’ on the trade market
Since the start of the offseason, former All-Star Pascal Siakam sits on shaky ground with the Toronto Raptors.
Trade rumors have run amuck with serious doubt over his long-term future in Toronto. However, general manager Masai Ujiri recently informed Siakam that he isn’t going to be moved, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic.
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“But sources say Ujiri has recently made it clear to Siakam’s side that he’s not being shopped, and that there’s a clear basketball vision here for how these pieces — old and new — can work.
“Sources say he still wants to be in Toronto.”
Much of the uncertainty stems from Siakam’s struggles last season. He experienced a notable decline from the last couple of years. He had difficulty providing consistent production while he couldn’t move past nagging injuries.
The 27-year-old averaged 21.4 points along with a career-high 4.5 assists but shot 29.7% from beyond the arc. He experienced extended stretches where he struggled with his outside shot that significantly impacted his performance.
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The Raptors may have had a hard time moving Siakam due to his contract as he holds three years left in his four-year, $136 .9 million deal. He will make more than $33 million in each of the final three campaigns while possessing no player or team options.
Toronto will likely continue to monitor the situation to see if Siakam can bounce back after a tough season. It’s on his shoulders to prove he deserves to be a long-term piece in the Raptors’ future.
