NBA Rumors: Kings Would Trade for Pascal Siakam Without Assurance of New Contract

Despite reports of Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam being unwilling to agree to a long-term contract extension with the Sacramento Kings, the team still remains interested in trading for him, according to Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer.

"My understanding is that the Kings would still trade for Siakam even without the assurance that he'd re-sign, but his lack of commitment certainly changes the assets they'd be willing to give up alongside Harrison Barnes and Kevin Huerter," O'Connor wrote.

The Kings and Raptors were engaged in trade discussions regarding the two-time All-Star for a "hot second" before talks ended, via HoopsHype's Michael Scotto. Siakam reportedly has no desire to head to Sacramento and doesn't see the team as a "long-term" fit, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic.

The Kings have been actively searching for a third star to pair alongside De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, although general manager Monte McNair has been hesitant to include the team's premier assets in trade talks. ESPN's Zach Lowe revealed on Friday that Sacramento has "zero interest in discussing" sharpshooting forward Keegan Murray as part of a potential deal.

Due to the front office's insistence on keeping a young player such as Murray out of trades combined with Siakam's reported unwillingness to stay with the team beyond the 2023-24 season, opposing front offices could end up outbidding the Kings in talks with Raptors team president Masai Ujiri (per O'Connor).

Despite the 29-year-old performing admirably throughout his 38 starts this season, Toronto could still move off the remainder of his contract and pivot towards building the roster around former Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes as well as recent trade acquisitions Immanuel Quickley and R.J. Barrett.

This season, Siakam has averaged 22.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game while shooting 52.6 percent from the field and 33.1 percent from three.

Sitting at 23-16, the Kings likely aren't in a rush to add another marquee player ahead of the Feb. 8 trade deadline. However, the addition of Siakam could help Sacramento avoid another disappointing first-round exit in the playoffs.