With NBA training camp beginning in just a few weeks, time is running out for several teams to make major upgrades, including the Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks have engaged in trade talks with the Toronto Raptors for star Pascal Siakam, but after weeks of discussions, no trade has materialized.
But if the two teams have been discussing a trade for weeks, why hasn’t a deal happened yet? Well, according to NBA insider Mike Scotto, the Hawks balked at including 2023 1st-round pick Kobe Bufkin in a deal because Atlanta coach Quinn Syder is high on him.
That is certainly surprising (although perhaps reasonable) considering that if the Hawks were to complete the deal, they would add a legit star in Siakam, who just had the best season of his career.
Will a Hawks-Raptors trade still happen?
Although the Hawks-Raptors trade appears to have fallen apart, they could opt to revisit the deal before the start of the season or ahead of the trade deadline. Then again, waiting until the season might yield fewer assets for the Raptors since Siakam is on an expiring contract. Plus, they may want to tank to avoid losing their pick to the Spurs.
Additionally, the Hawks would likely prefer to have him on the team before training camp starts, so he’ll be ready to go once the season begins in late October. With both teams having reasons to want to get a deal done, it’s entirely possible that Siakam could be on the move within the next few weeks.
However, a potential deal could look a little different without Bufkin involved. One option could be AJ Griffin, De’Andre Hunter, and two first-round picks, minus Bufkin. However, it remains to be seen if the Raptors will agree to such a deal for their best player, even though they may soon look to rebuild.
Overall, a potential blockbuster deal between the Hawks and Raptors fell through over the inclusion of 2023 15th overall pick Kobe Bufkin. Despite that, an altered version of the deal could still happen, but with training camp and preseason starting soon, time is running out.
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Author: Cal Durrett
September 15, 2023 | 12:30 pm
