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NBA Trades: 3 trades that could shake up the league this season

By Jack Simone

PORTLAND, OREGON - NOVEMBER 13: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers controls the ball against Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors in the fourth quarter at Moda Center on November 13, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - NOVEMBER 13: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers controls the ball against Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors in the fourth quarter at Moda Center on November 13, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors reacts in the fourth quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Potential NBA trades for this season: Pascal Siakam trade to the Portland Trailblazers

Portland Trailblazers receive: Pascal Siakam, Chris Boucher

Toronto Raptors receive: Jusuf Nurkic, Robert Covington, Anfernee Simons, Greg Brown III, Tony Snell, 2025 First-Round Pick

Trailblazers get Pascal Siakam, Chris Boucher, Raptors get Jusuf Nurkic, Robert Covington, Anfernee Simons, Greg Brown III, Tony Snell, 2025 First-Round Pick

Since it’s the first edition of this series, might as well start off with a bang. This NBA trade would send Toronto Raptors big man Pascal Siakam to the Portland Trailblazers.

Siakam just returned from injury and is back in the lineup with the Raptors. However, with how well rookie Scottie Barnes has been playing, there has been some talk as to whether or not Toronto should consider moving Siakam.

They played well without him in the lineup and are seemingly committed to a full-on youth movement led by Barnes and OG Anuonby. While Siakam (27 years old) isn’t necessarily old, they could choose to trade him and give more minutes to Barnes.

The former NBA champion has been an All-NBA player, and also a solid, versatile defender for his whole career. That last point is the main reason Portland should try to deal for him.

Over the past few years, the Trailblazers have been one of the worst defensive teams in the league, and some could say it’s a big reason they haven’t been able to win with Damian Lillard.

Well, with Lillard rumors circulating now more than ever, this would be Portland’s final effort to help him win a ring. Siakam could play small-ball center for them as they transition to a more fast-paced style of play.

Portland would be giving up some big pieces of their core, but in turn, would get an All-Star-caliber player who could help switch up the playstyle and improve their defense.

Toronto would get a bunch of players on one-year deals, as well as some young assets to build with. Those picks could be super valuable, too, depending on how well the Blazers do. It could potentially be a win-win for both parties.

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