Grade the Trade: This Knicks-Mavs-Raptors deal would send a star to NY

Grade the Trade: Toronto Raptors

It appears more likely than not that the Raptors will decide to move on from the 29-year-old Siakam by the trade deadline. This potential trade would probably entice them to finally move him, given the assets involved.

Two first-round picks and two second-round picks plus a good young player in Barrett, decent backups in Hartenstein and Kleber, and a starting wing in Hardaway Jr. is a haul. Especially since they could move some of those players for more picks. Doing so would allow them to potentially tank this season and next season to try to keep those lottery picks instead of one of them conveying to the San Antonio Spurs.

At this point, after failing to trade for Lillard, it seems inevitable that Toronto finally picks a direction and it probably won’t be to go all-in for another star. In fact, by moving on from Siakam, they could also consider moving OG Anunoby, who can become a free agent after next season.

Though it would start with them choosing to trade their best player, and this swap would likely be the type of return they’d want for Siakam. As a result, the Raptors would almost certainly say yes to this hypothetical deal.

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Ultimately, adding Siakam would give the Knicks a talent boost, but he probably isn’t the best fit. Instead, the Knicks could wait until next summer to pursue Donovan Mitchell or go after Embiid. On the other hand, the Mavericks and especially the Raptors would probably be interested, making it a mixed bag. Thus, this trade proposal gets a C.