5 Pascal Siakam trades that get the New York Knicks a star

2. Raptors counteroffer

Masai Ujiri won’t come down much from his top offer, but eliminating the pick swaps proves there is wiggle room in making the deal. If he is willing to take the pick swaps out, Ujiri is open to negotiating other parts of the deal.

Toronto does not want to rebuild, especially after re-signing Jakob Poeltl to a four-year $80 million contract this summer. Expect the Raptors to ask for multiple pieces that improve their rotation right now along with multiple first-round picks.

This is still too much. The Knicks cannot give up six of their best trade assets for one season of Pascal Siakam. There is no guarantee that he signs a long-term deal, and that should be a factor for New York before agreeing on this deal.

Immanuel Quickley and Quentin Grimes have been in trade talks. They are both quality role players, but neither will prevent this deal from happening. Ujiri knows that which gives him leverage in acquiring both. Will Leon Rose make that a deal-breaker? That seems unlikely, so he must focus on lowering the price.

The New York Knicks must retain R.J. Barrett and lessen the draft pick compensation. They cannot give away all of that for Siakam, but would this compromise work for both sides?