Toronto Raptors star Pascal Siakam may need to pack his bags after hearing team president Masai Ujiri’s recent phone conversation.
The Raptors traded for New York Knicks guard Immanuel Quickley last Saturday in a 5-player deal that sent out versatile wing OG Anunoby.
Ujiri’s phone call welcoming Quickley to the team was made public in a recent episode of the Raptors’ “Open Gym” series.
“Just taking this thing to a new phase,” Ujiri told Quickley. “A new everything with Scottie [Barnes]. It’s an unbelievable fit with you and Scottie.”
Masai on the Phone to IQ “Your fit with Scottie” I think this signals the end for Pascal career as a Raptor pic.twitter.com/1y42vHBwg5
— RapsMuse (@RapsMuse) January 5, 2024
Siakam is the last remaining vestige from the Raptors’ previous era which won a championship in 2019. Gone are Kawhi Leonard, Kyle Lowry, Fred VanVleet, and now Anunoby. Trading away Siakam appears to represent the final move to begin the next phase of Raptors basketball.
Siakam and Barnes have split the primary scoring load for the Raptors this season. Through 35 games, both players are averaging a team-high 16.2 shot attempts per game as the unspoken 1A and 1B of the team. Moving Siakam would allow Barnes to become the clear first option.
Several playoff teams have reportedly been interested in acquiring Siakam. However, the 2-time All-Star’s contract situation may complicate matters for potential suitors.
