Warriors Trade Rumors: Pascal Siakam Could Be A Golden State Target Before 2021 NBA Draft

The Golden State Warriors are expected to be aggressive in pursuing another All-Star-caliber player for next season. It remains to be seen which players will be available, but there is speculation regarding who Golden State might target.

Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam is a name to watch as the Warriors try to upgrade the roster, according to The Athletic’s John Hollinger. Golden State has the ability to create an intriguing trade package, following the draft lottery.

The Warriors own the No. 7 and No. 14 overall picks in the 2021 NBA Draft. James Wiseman, the No. 2 selection in last year’s draft, is also on the Golden State roster. Andrew Wiggins could potentially be part of an offer for Siakam or a player of his ilk.

Siakam was a 2020 All-Star after being part of Toronto’s 2019 championship team. The 27-year-old arguably had a disappointing 2021 campaign, seeing his scoring and rebounding numbers drop. Siakam still averaged 21.4 points, 7.2 rebounds and a career-high 4.5 assists per game.

Raptors head coach Nick Nurse and Siakam had such a heated argument during the season that the forward was fined $50,000 by the team, according to The Athletic. Toronto finished 18 games under .500 and missed the playoffs for the first time in eight years.

Toronto could take this offseason as an opportunity to retool with a younger roster. Veteran point guard Kyle Lowry is headed for free agency. The Raptors have the No. 4 pick in the draft.

With Klay Thompson out for all of the regular season, the Warriors finished with the eighth-best record in the Western Conference. Golden State was eliminated in the second round of the play-in tournament.

Adding another All-Star to a roster highlighted by Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and a healthy Thompson could turn the Warriors into a championship contender.