The NBA regular season is in full swing, and teams are fighting hard to win it. However, the off-court trade market is also exciting, with big deals happening all the time, adding a lot of buzz to the NBA season. On January 2, Beijing time, news of a high-profile trade between the Dallas Mavericks and the Toronto Raptors undoubtedly brought more highlights to the new season.
The deal was a win-win, as the Mavericks traded Hardaway Jr., Holmes, Josh Green, and a future first-round pick for the Raptors' top forward Siakam. This is undoubtedly an active reinforcement for the Mavericks in order to further enhance their strength after being defeated twice in the finals. The addition of Siakam will give them an even stronger title contender.
Siakam, the 22+6 top forward, what will his addition bring to the Dallas Mavericks? The Mavericks have traded Hardaway Jr. and other players and future assets in exchange for him, what does this deal mean for both parties? Whether the deal can be finally reached is still uncertain, let's take a look.
First, Siakam joined, and the Mavericks' championship strength will reach a new level
In the past two seasons, the Dallas Mavericks have lost to the Golden State Warriors twice in the Finals and missed out on winning the championship. Before the start of the new season, the Mavericks decisively started a trade spree, first trading Kristaps Porzingis for Julius Randle, and then trading multiple roles and future assets for Christian Wood. Both of these deals have strengthened the Mavericks.
And now, the Mavericks traded a 4-for-1 trade to the Raptors for Siakam. The 22-year-old young forward has grown into one of the league's top strikers. He averaged 22.4 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5 assists per game while shooting 51.8% from three-point range. More crucially, Siakam is not only excellent offensively, but also very well defensively.
With Siakam's arrival, the Mavericks will have a top-tier frontcourt team consisting of Doncic, Luka Doncic and Siakam. All three have their own expertise and are a perfect fit. Doncic is the team's No. 1 scorer, Luka Doncic is the playmaker, and Siakam is the No. 3 scorer and is responsible for defending the opposition's strongest offensive player.
Such a frontcourt combination will undoubtedly greatly enhance the offensive power of the Mavericks. With Julius Randle, Christian Wood and other backcourt players, the overall strength of the Mavericks will reach a big level, and they will have the strength to defeat the Warriors, reach the Finals again, and even hope to win the championship.
Second, the Raptors' blueprint for rebuilding is clearer, and Hardaway Jr. has become the new core
For the Toronto Raptors, sending Siakam away was undoubtedly a very painful decision. But in exchange for a number of players and future assets such as Hardaway Jr., it has also made their rebuilding path clearer.
Hardaway Jr. is one of the best shooting guards in the league, scoring as many as 53 points per game. His average of 17.9 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game also confirms his worth. Hardaway Jr. will be the Raptors' new No. 1 scorer and centerpiece, leading the team alongside Toulon Siakam.
In addition, Josh Green is a young player with a lot of potential. He will usher in a new development opportunity for the Raptors, and may grow into the new core of the Raptors. A future first-round pick also gives the Raptors an important piece of the blueprint.
With this deal, the Raptors started the rebuilding mode ahead of schedule. They traded back Hardaway Jr., who has the power to fight, and also got Josh Green, who has potential, and future assets. Although reluctant to accept Siakam, the deal gave them a bright future.
Third, Siakam went to wait and see, and it is still unknown whether the deal can be completed
Although the news has come out that the Mavericks have "acquired" Siakam at a high price with Hardaway Jr. and other players, there are still some variables in the real deal.
According to the report, at least five other teams are also coveting Siakam, and it is not ruled out that some teams will make more favorable offers. As a counterparty, the Raptors will also select the best solution based on the quotations of all parties.
And Siakam is a top forward, and the Raptors don't necessarily have to trade him. The Raptors also have the option to re-sign Siakam and keep him with the team as they rebuild.
Siakam's stay will directly affect the fate of the Mavericks and Raptors. Mavericks fans are undoubtedly looking forward to Siakam's arrival, while Raptors fans are hoping that he will stay in Toronto. Let's wait and see where Siakam goes.
The Dallas Mavericks' 4-for-1 trade for the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Siakam has brought the two teams with different fates into the spotlight again. Whether Siakam actually joins the Mavericks will take time to tell. But in any case, the NBA trade market in the new season is still exciting, so let's wait and see!