5 Trades Knicks should make to land a superstar in the Big Apple
By Tyler Watts
2. Siakam traded to Knicks
Pascal Siakam is entering the final year of his contract, and the Raptors have a crucial decision to make. Do they extend the two-time All-Star on a massive contract or look to move on? Fans have heard the trade rumors, but will the Raptors deal Siakam before February’s deadline?
Toronto did not trade Fred VanVleet last season, and he left in free agency. Will Masai Uriji repeat the same process with Siakam? The 6’9 forward wants to stay with the Raptors, but is Toronto willing to pay to keep him? If not, teams will be lining up offers.
Fans can debate how much better Siakam is than Randle, but he is the superior and more versatile defender. Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau values defense, and Siakam could be just the option that helps New York get to the next level.
Giving up two first-round draft picks and an All-Star for a player on an expiring contract is risky. The Knicks would have a chance to lock him up long-term, but Siakam’s interest is unknown.
If they cannot land Damian Lillard or Pascal Siakam, the New York Knicks may stay patient. The front office has been waiting for a top-five player to become available, and that moment could be just around the corner.