Despite losing their second-best player, Russell Westbrook, in a five-team blockbuster trade, the Washington Wizards still don’t have any plan of trading All-Star shooting guard Bradley Beal and undergoing a full-scale rebuild. The Wizards may have parted ways with Westbrook but in exchange for him, they acquired several quality role players who could help them make a huge noise in the Eastern Conference in the 2021-22 NBA season.
However, the Wizards may not be done in making moves. After acquiring Spencer Dinwiddie, Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Aaron Holiday, they are expected to pursue another quality player who is currently available on the trade market.
Proposed Trade To Acquire Pascal Siakam
One of the most realistic trade targets for the Wizards this summer is veteran power forward Pascal Siakam of the Toronto Raptors. In a recent article, Vince Frank of Sportsnaut came up with a hypothetical blockbuster trade idea that would allow the Wizards to pair Beal with Siakam next season.
In the proposed trade scenario, the Wizards would be sending a package that includes Kuzma, Deni Avdija, Thomas Bryant, and an unprotected future first-round pick to the Raptors in exchange for Siakam.
Pascal Siakam On-Court Impact On Wizards
Siakam would be an incredible addition to the Wizards. He may have failed as the Raptors’ main guy but in the lone season he spent with Kawhi Leonard, he has proven that he can be an efficient second- or third-scoring option. His potential arrival in Washington would boost their performance on both ends of the floor.
Siakam would give the Wizards another offensive firepower behind Beal, as well as a great rebounder, on-court facilitator, and lockdown defender. Last season, he averaged 21.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.1 steals while shooting 45.5 percent from the field and 29.7 percent from beyond the arc, per ESPN.
Wizards Obtain Pieces To Make A Deep Playoff Run
The successful acquisition of Siakam won’t be enough to help the Wizards form their own superteam this summer. However, if the core of Siakam, Beal, Dinwiddie, Rui Hachimura, and Daniel Gafford build good chemistry and manage to stay away from any major injury, the Wizards would have a realistic chance of making a deep playoff run in the 2021-22 NBA season.
While Siakam and Dinwiddie are set to join Beal and Hachimura in the starting lineup, other newcomers like Caldwell-Pope, Harrell, and Holiday would solidify the Wizards’ second unit.
Why The Raptors Would Make The Trade
The proposed deal would be worth exploring for the Raptors, especially if they are planning to undergo a rebuilding process this summer. By sending Siakam to Washington, the Raptors would be receiving three young and promising talents in Avdija, Kuzma, and Bryant, together with a future first-round selection.
Avdija, Kuzma, and Bryant could join Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby, Scottie Barnes, Precious Achiuwa, and Gary Trent Jr. and form the core of the next title-contending team that the Raptors would try to build in Toronto.
