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
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.