3. Knicks counteroffer
New York has to choose between trading Julius Randle or R.J. Barrett if they want to make this deal work. Barrett is six years younger and more versatile, but Randle is the superior player right now. Look no further than the 6’8 forward’s two All-Star and All-NBA appearances to prove that.
If they are acquiring Siakam, it would make sense to deal Randle. The two play the same position, and the Knicks would not have to worry about figuring out how to keep the two on the floor with another big man when matching up against Joel Embiid or Nikola Jokic. The Knicks counter with this.
It is a fair offer considering Siakam is on an expiring contract. The Raptors are getting a fellow All-Star and two first-round draft picks, but it won’t be enough. Masai Ujiri does not trade his talent without getting a massive return. He will hold out for more, and the Knicks must pay the price if they want Pascal Siakam.
Acquiring one of the best players in the league is never easy, and there will be more hurdles. Ujiri will again shoot high with his counteroffer, but it will open the door for the two sides to finalize a deal.