Siakam, Barnes ignoring trade deadline speculation as Raptors could be sellers
After seven seasons with the Toronto Raptors, Pascal Siakam is over trade deadline speculation.
"At the end of the day, we know what it is. What's the point of us coming here and talking every (expletive) -- ah, sorry -- every deadline?" Siakam said laughing as he caught himself swearing in front of several cameras.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
"Every deadline, we know (questions) are going to happen. It is what it is and whatever happens happens. I'm at a point in my career where it really doesn't matter."
Siakam may not follow the latest trade rumours, but that doesn't mean they don't exist, with many swirling around the Raptors ahead of Thursday's deadline. Toronto sits 11th in the Eastern Conference standings -- just outside the final play-in spot -- heading into Wednesday night's game against the lowly San Antonio Spurs.
That puts the team in an ideal position to be sellers, getting draft picks or players with long-term upside in return.
"I think this is always a big week for the franchise, as is, I think, draft night, as is final cuts at training camp," said head coach Nick Nurse. "I think any time there's a window whether it's large or small to improve your team in any way, I think that's always important for the franchise."
Siakam, guard Fred VanVleet, and forward O.G. Anunoby all have potential trade value for a team looking to build a contender. All three have post-season experience, with Siakam and VanVleet key parts of the Raptors' championship run in 2019.
Shooting guard Gary Trent Jr., who has a 44.7 per cent field goal percentage and a 37.3 per cent three-point percentage this season, could also be targeted by a team looking for help off the bench.
VanVleet and Trent have player options for next season, while Siakam is signed through 2023-24. Anunoby has a player option in 2024-25.
"I think they know exactly where we stand on everything from a coaching staff perspective," said Nurse when asked if Toronto's front office has consulted him on potential deals.
"Obviously, there's more conversation as things happen that are more real."
Power forward Scottie Barnes, who was named the NBA rookie of the year last season, said that like Siakam he isn't concerned about trade rumours. He didn't even follow them when he was a fan watching the league.
"I haven't really been paying attention to it," he said. "I don't really feel anything. As a team, as a group, I don't really hear anything coming from it."
Siakam said he's learned to not worry about things he can't control.
"I'm doing my job every single day," he said on the court of the Raptors practice facility. "I'm blessed to be to be able to live my dream and play the game that I love and getting compensated for it.
"It's a business and I get it. I've seen people go, I've seen people get traded here, so nothing surprises me. I don't look for anything until, you know, my phone actually rings."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 8, 2023.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Thieves use stolen forklift to rip cash machine out of U.K. bank
Police in the U.K. are searching for a group of suspects seen on video using a forklift to steal a cash machine from a bank.
'There was a lot of black smoke': Crane operator sounds alarm while trapped during highrise fire in Halifax
A tower crane operator alerted emergency crews after noticing a fire on a construction site in Halifax Tuesday morning.
Cherry blossoms blooming in Canada: Here's what to know
There is a swaying sea of colour in some cities across Canada, and it's a sure sign of spring: cherry blossoms are in bloom.