Report: Pascal Siakam Called Into Masai Ujiri's Office After Addressing Trade Rumors

February 07, 2023


The Toronto Raptors have been front and center on the rumor mill as we get even closer to Thursday afternoon's trade deadline. Two-time All-NBA forward Pascal Siakam's name has been out there, though it hasn't been expected that he'd be traded. 

Which makes what happened at practice today somewhat notable. Siakam sounded off on being asked about trade rumors, after which he was "motioned to join" team president Masai Ujiri in an office.

Siakam sounded a bit frustrated about constantly being asked about the rumors. 

I never know. I never know what's happening. Even when you guys ask me all these questions, I don't know what's going on. I'm focused on the game and that's pretty much it. 

At the end of the day, we know what it is. What's the point of us coming here and talking every f--king - ah, sorry - every deadline? ... It is what it is and whatever happens happens.

The 28-year-old, who has led the NBA in minutes the past two seasons, and is the focal point of everything the Raptors do, said he wasn't concerned with being traded, unless he's told something is up, or he himself would want to move on:

I'm at a point in my career where it really doesn't matter unless I feel like there's some things going on. Now that we're in a league where if I'm unhappy there's things that can happen. But other than that, I'm doing my job every single day. I'm blessed to be able to live my dream and play the game that I love and getting compensated for it. At the end of the day, I understand being here, Year 7 for me, it's a business and I get it. l've seen people go, l've seen people get here, so nothing surprises me. I don't look for anything until my phone actually rings. 

So why, then, did Masai call Siakam into an office after all of that? Was it to reassure him that there's no trade happening? Or to inform him of possible trades he's working on so that he 'knows what's happening'?

Averaging 25 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists, Siakam is having another All-NBA type season, and his All-Star snub was a first of its kind in NBA history.

The Raptors are certainly working on many things as we approach the deadline, including other possible deals for Siakam's 2019 championship mates Fred VanVleet and OG Anunoby, as well as impending free agent Gary Trent Jr.

Only two more days of speculation for all of them to deal with. 

Photo: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports



Go To: NFL Rumors | MLB Rumors | NHL Rumors

Post a Comment