Report: Pascal Siakam doesn’t view Kings as long-term fit
Jan 10, 2024, 9:33 AM | Updated: 9:38 am
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
A lot can change at the drop of a hat during NBA trade season.
Just last week when the Sacramento Kings were preparing to face the Toronto Raptors at Golden 1 Center, there was a buzz in the building as multiple outlets reported that forward Pascal Siakam’s trade market was heating up.
At the front of the line for Sikam was the Kings, who were, at the time, reportedly a frontrunner for making a deal for the two-time All-Star.
That buzz was quickly brought to an end as The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that Sacramento “was out” on Siakam, with later reports revealing that the Raptors were seeking one or both of Keegan Murray and Malik Monk in a deal.
With Siakam entering free agency at the end of this season and no guarantee of an extension, the conversations stopped there for Kings general manager Monte McNair.
On Wednesday morning, The Athletic’s Sam Amick provided more clarity on the Sikam-Kings situation, and Amick’s update brings it all together as we now know that the 29-year-old is not keen on joining–or signing a long-term deal–with the Beam Team.
What I’m hearing on Pascal Siakam and the Kings, the Lakers’ next steps and the potential impact of Erik Spoelstra’s massive payday on Steve Kerr’s situation, at @TheAthletic https://t.co/gSbkZdDhJY
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) January 10, 2024
More on Pascal Siakam & the Kings
And among the many interesting revelations that were learned during that time, this much is clear: Siakam would not be excited if he were traded to Sacramento.
According to two league sources, the Kings should have very little — if any — optimism regarding the prospect of Siakam re-signing in the summer if they were to land him.
While Siakam has not asked for a trade [from Toronto], the sources say he doesn’t view the Kings as a good long-term fit if the Raptors choose to move him.
Siakam is more likely to sign a long-term extension with the Raptors than approve an extended stay in Sacramento if he were to be dealt during the February 8th trade deadline, meaning that the Kings will pivot elsewhere rather than mortgage the future on a true rental.
Would Siakam provide Sacramento with a boost on both ends of the floor? Definitely. Is Siakam the type of player the Kings need alongside De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis to take the next step in contention? Also, yes.
Unfortunately for Sacramento, even though they have largely turned around the public perception of their franchise, still have some work to do in making this a preferable destination for free agents or free-agents-to-be, in Siakam’s case.
Siakam is also reportedly eyeing a max contract in free agency, which would hamstring the Kings from a financial standpoint with De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis on the books for a combined $73 million in 2024-25, and Fox set to be in line for another significant extension down the line.
While the Kings will have to pivot off of Siakam and evaluate the rest of the trade market, there is little doubt that Sacramento will be active before the February 8th deadline passes.
Some splashy moves are still out there, with Zach LaVine, Jerami Grant, DeMar DeRozan, Malcolm Brogdon, and many more expected to be on the trading block in the coming weeks.
Help could be walking in that door for Sacramento, but it won’t be Pascal Siakam–and any help that does arrive won’t be at the expense of moving Murray, who is growing into a true three-and-D threat for the Kings.
Preview: Kings look to avenge recent loss to Hornets in rematch
When is the next Sacramento Kings game?
Sacramento will play its second game in as many days on Wednesday when they complete the back-to-back against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center.
The Kings will hope to avenge last week’s disappointing loss to Charlotte, which saw Sacramento fumble a late lead en route to being outscored 10-0 during the final 90 seconds. Thanks to 34 points from Terry Rozier, the Hornets claimed a 111-104 win.
Be sure to tune in right here on Sactown Sports 1140 for all of your Kings vs. Hornets coverage, beginning at 2:30 PM PST on Game Night before a 4:00 PM PST tip-off from North Carolina.
Upcoming Schedule
- Wednesday, January 10th – Sacramento Kings @ Charlotte Hornets – 4:00 PM PST
- Friday, January 12th – Sacramento Kings @ Philadelphia 76ers – 4:30 PM PST
- Sunday, January 14th – Sacramento Kings @ Milwaukee Bucks – 4:00 PM PST
- Tuesday, January 16th – Sacramento Kings @ Phoenix Suns – 6:00 PM PST
- Thursday, January 18th – Sacramento Kings vs. Indiana Pacers – 7:00 PM PST
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