A few weeks before the deadline, many rumors are circulating. The ones that are the most popular concern the Warriors, who should be very active on the market. Unfortunately for them, the latest declaration from a star they covet is enough to calm their ardor.
This season, the Warriors are experiencing difficulties that few expected. Indeed, the 2022 champions today seem to be at the end of a cycle of domination which lasted almost a decade. Floundering in 12th place in the Western Conference with a record of 18 wins and 22 losses, the playoff hopes are becoming increasingly slim for this team.
Between the suspensions of Draymond Green , the inconsistency of Klay Thompson’s level or even the quarrels between players and technical staff, the crisis now appears obvious. As a result, Californian leaders have undoubtedly begun to concoct plans to redress the situation during this transfer period. Rumors are also starting to abound.
Uncertainties surrounding the Siakam-Warriors affair
The possibility most cited by the media lately concerns a transfer from the Warriors for Pascal Siakam. Announced at the start, the Raptors star is indeed the object of desire of the Dubs, but also of many other teams. The competition is tough to acquire the Cameroonian, but the latter wanted to make things clear, as reported by Matt Moore.
Pascal Siakam tells teams he would not commit to re-signing with any team other than the Raptors… He will not verbally commit to the Pacers, Hawks, Kings, Warriors or any other team that ‘would exchange. He wants to test free agency. If he gets traded to the Pacers, he won’t say “Yes, I’ll re-sign this summer.” He won’t commit verbally, and will be even less inclined to sign an extension.
Hopes of seeing the 29-year-old strong winger land in the Bay Area this season are dwindling following this declaration. Although he is having a good season on a personal level, unlike his team, with an average of 22.2 points, the latter is reflecting on his future in view of his contractual situation, and intends to try his luck in free agency this summer , as Raptors insider Aaron Rose also explained.
If Siakam is free, he will be eligible for a contract worth up to $248.5 million over five years if he re-signs with the team that owns his rights. It would be Toronto if he isn’t traded. Otherwise, he will only be eligible for a maximum contract of $184.2 million over four years if he signs with another team in free agency.
Announced to the Warriors as part of a transfer, Pascal Siam wants to remain master of his destiny. Thus, he could take advantage of his position to study and exploit the different opportunities during his free agency in the summer season. The matter is therefore still far from being closed for Californians.