NBA Trade Rumors: Kings Out of Pascal Siakam Hunt amid Pacers, Hawks Buzz

Trade talks between the Sacramento Kings and Toronto Raptors regarding All-Star Pascal Siakam have ended, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

The Kings were likely attempting to pair the 29-year-old alongside De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, giving the team enough offensive firepower to compete for the Western Conference crown. However, Charania noted that Siakam's upcoming free agency will play a role in Sacramento's interest in acquiring him before the Kings ultimately removed themselves from trade discussions.

He's currently playing out the final season of a four-year contract worth roughly $137 million that he signed in 2019. Any team that trades for Siakam is only eligible to extend him for two years, with the former first-round pick preferring to enter unrestricted free agency (via NBA insider Marc Stein). In other words, there's a chance that a team trading for Siakam eventually loses him in free agency after a few months.

Sitting at 14-20, the Raptors appear to be building their roster around former Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes. On Dec. 30, Toronto sent forward OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks in exchange for 23-year-old wing RJ Barrett and 24-year-old point guard Immanuel Quickley.

Siakam is expected to be dealt by the Raptors ahead of the Feb. 8 trade deadline, according to ESPN's Tim Bontemps.

Although the Kings have gotten off to a strong start by winning 20 of their first 33 games, general manager Monte McNair is looking for a third star that fits within the team's fast-paced offensive system. Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports revealed that Sacramento has recently been gauging the value of players such as Harrison Barnes, Kevin Huerter, and Davion Mitchell. However, the Kings aren't considering trading promising forward Keegan Murray.

With Sacramento attempting to acquire marquee talent while Toronto is likely focused on a youth movement, a trade between the two sides made sense. However, it appears that the Kings will shift their focus towards a different star. As for Siakam, the Indiana Pacers and Atlanta Hawks remain interested in his services.