With trade talks gaining momentum and speculations swirling, the potential of trades occurring has increased drastically after the first 25 games of the season. Whether it’s Pascal Siakam on an expiring contract, Zach Lavine being unhappy in Chicago, or CP3 not being the fit they thought in Golden State… Let’s get into destinations and trades for some of the top trade targets on the market this season so far.
Pascal Siakam to Indiana
Indiana Pacers get: Pascal Siakam
Toronto Raptors get: Jarace Walker, Bruce Brown Jr., Obi Toppin, and 2024 2nd
Why for Pacers?
The Indiana Pacers have a superstar in the making in Tyrese Haliburton. The worst thing they can do is waste his prime years on mediocre seasons on a smaller market team. They’re going to have to make big trades in order to get him a partner in crime to rely on. Haliburton has been constantly double teamed with the Pacers not having anyone else to scare opposing defenses.
Gettin Pascal Siakam gives them a versatile PF wing defender and a player that can score in various ways. Not only can Siakam score in all facets, he can also create his own shot. The only thing is that the Pacers are giving up a top young prospect in Jarace Walker for a potential 1 year rental.
Why for Raptors?
The Toronto Raptors could be losing Pascal Siakam for essentially nothing this offseason. Why not get a top 10 pick in this past year’s draft and some tradeable assets like Toppin and Bruce Brown Jr. to get even more assets? They need to build around Scottie Barnes and keeping Siakam around will only stunt his growth more.
Lavine to Madison Garden
New York Knicks get: Zach Lavine
Chicago Bulls get: RJ Barrett, Evan Fournier, 2024 1st
Why for Knicks?
The New York Knicks have been waiting to make a big splash move and here it is… Zach Lavine in NY. Having a trio of Brunson/Lavine/Randle should entice fans more and give the fans a Big 3 to look out for. Lavine’s ability to fill up the scoring sheet should bring a lot of noise in the Garden and potentially propel the Knicks higher up the Eastern Conference standings.
Why for Bulls?
It’s time they get rid of this old broken team and start getting some young assets to build around. RJ Barrett has shown flashes of stardom throughout his career and if he can be given a consistent role, he could potentially flourish even more. He’s still got to work on his efficiency and outside shooting, but if he can get that down… the Bulls might just have something in a 23 year old Barrett.
76ers Get Their Starting PG
Philadelphia 76ers get: Chris Paul, Cory Joseph, Brandin Podziemski
Golden State Warriors get: Tobias Harris, 2024 2nd
Why for 76ers & Warriors?
This trade makes too much sense for both teams so I will be combining the explanations. The 76ers, although a really good team, still need a true point guard that can feed their scorers in Maxey and Embiid. Getting a veteran presence like CP3 will only propel them even higher and honestly CP3 is a better fit than Harden was.
For the Warriors, Tobias Harris is an above-average wing defender who can shoot as well. He’d be a great replacement for Draymond Green (who’s currently suspended indefinitely) and should fit in well in the Warriors offense with his ability to stretch the floor and defend.
