The Warriors will not let their dynasty crumble.
After failing to make the playoffs the past two years, Golden State is looking to bolster its roster and return to the postseason. According to The Athletic’s John Hollinger, Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam is someone to watch, with the Warriors possessing the assets to make a blockbuster deal.
Golden State has the Nos. 7 and 14 picks in the 2021 NBA Draft, and they could use one of those selections and last year’s No. 2 overall pick, James Wiseman, in a package.
“…There is a widespread expectation that the Warriors will use No. 7 and Wiseman, in particular, to seek more immediate upgrades to the roster. One name to watch: Pascal Siakam,” Hollinger wrote.
The Warriors were able to gain the Timberwolves’ draft pick this year due to the D’Angelo Russell trade last season and Minnesota not landing a top-three pick in the NBA draft lottery.
Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green are not getting any younger, and the Warriors feel their title chances are winding down. Siakam can kill two birds with one stone for the Warriors. The 27-year-old forward offers Golden State the perfect blend of being young enough and experienced enough to improve an aging team, already having a championship under his belt with the Raptors in 2019.
The Cameroon-born forward averaged 21.4 points and 7.3 rebounds per game this season. However, his efficiency numbers have gone down; Siakam shot only 29.7% from 3-point range as opposed to 35.9% a year ago.
The one-time All-Star underwent surgery earlier this month to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder and might not be healthy for five months.
Such a trade would not only benefit the Warriors but also the Raptors. Wiseman averaged 11.5 points and 5.8 rebounds in only 39 games as a rookie. Still only 20 years old, he would fit in with the Raptors’ rebuild. Toronto could get another lottery selection to go with their No. 4 overall pick.