Posted on: August 9, 2023, 09:25h.

Last updated on: August 9, 2023, 09:25h.

The Atlanta Hawks fail to secure trade for Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors.

The Hawks may need to improve their trade offer to acquire Pascal Siakam before the preseason begins, giving the Indiana Pacers an opportunity to present a stronger offer.

Pascal Siakam had an impressive season with the Raptors, averaging 24.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game. He shot 48% from the field and 32.4% from beyond the arc. Despite missing some games due to injury, Siakam started 71 games.

While there was interest from multiple teams in Siakam, most backed off when he expressed his desire to explore free agency at the end of his contract.

However, the Hawks and Pacers are still considered favorites to trade for Siakam.

Home-Grown North of the Border

Pascal Siakam was selected by the Toronto Raptors in the late first round of the 2016 NBA Draft from New Mexico State, a proud moment for fans in Las Cruces.

Siakam’s breakout came in his third season as a starter under head coach Nick Nurse, earning two NBA All-Star Game appearances and being named Most Improved Player in 2019. He also won an NBA championship with the Raptors in the 2018-19 season.

As Siakam enters the final year of his contract, speculation grows regarding a potential trade since the Raptors have not engaged in significant extension negotiations.

After losing guard Fred Van Vleet in free agency, the Raptors are determined to avoid making the same mistake with Siakam and are open to a trade.

Hawks Offer De’Andre Hunter, AJ Griffin, Plus Picks

In the Hawks’ initial trade offer for Siakam, they included starting small forward De’Andre Hunter and backup forward AJ Griffin along with multiple draft picks. However, the Raptors rejected the offer.

De’Andre Hunter, selected fourth overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, showed promise as a starter for the Hawks, averaging 15.4 points per game and shooting 35% from three-point range.

AJ Griffin, chosen by the Raptors with the 16th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, had a solid rookie season, averaging 8.9 points per game and connecting on 39% of his three-point attempts.

If the Hawks want to secure the trade, they may need to involve a third-party team like the Dallas Mavs.

Futures Market for the Hawks and Raptors

According to odds, the Hawks have a long shot at winning the NBA championship with +7500 odds and +2500 odds to win the Eastern Conference in Quin Snyder’s first full season as head coach.

In the Southeast Division, the Hawks are the second favorite with +215 odds behind the Miami Heat at -185 odds.

DraftKings projects the Hawks to win around 42.5 games in the upcoming season, with their previous season finishing at 41-41 and earning the #7 seed through the Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament.

Under new head coach Darko Rajakovic, the Raptors are considered a long shot at +10000 odds to win the NBA championship. They also face long odds at +3500 to win the Atlantic Division and +5500 odds to secure the Eastern Conference title.

DraftKings projects the Raptors to have a losing season with a win total of 36.5, after finishing the previous season at 41-41 and missing out on the Play-In Tournament.