2: Pascal Siakam
Unlike OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam doesn’t have a player option for 2024-25. His contract will be up at the end of this season, so he’ll enter unrestricted free agency regardless. Trade rumors have been swirling around his name for a while now. After spending his first eight seasons in Toronto, he could be on a new team after the trade deadline.
The 29-year-old forward is a two-time All-NBA/All-Star player. He was named an All-Star reserve last season in what was a career year for him. Siakam averaged a career-best 24.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game, shooting 48% from the field.
If Siakam had been traded over the offseason, he reportedly wouldn’t have signed an extension with his new team. However, Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer reported in mid-October that if the Raptors hadn’t signed him to a new deal once the regular season started, Siakam could be open to going elsewhere. With Toronto’s rocky start, maybe the forward’s mindset has changed.
If the Raptors field offers for Siakam in February before risking letting him go for nothing over the offseason, the Sixers could join the negotiations. Or, if Masai Ujiri’s stubbornness gets in the way again, Philadelphia could sign him as a free agent in the summer.
Siakam would instantly make the Sixers better. Let’s not forget that he has championship experience, something Philadelphia could use.