The Atlanta Hawks attempted to bolster their roster by adding another star to play alongside Trae Young and Dejounte Murray.
“Sources tell me that the Hawks have made an offer of De'Andre Hunter, AJ Griffin and draft compensation for (Pascal) Siakam … the price tag that (the Raptors) have set has been upped at every turn in negotiations.”
— Stadium (@Stadium) August 8, 2023
NBA Insider @ShamsCharania updates us on Pascal Siakam. pic.twitter.com/USFp7CsVu0
Atlanta, who finished with a 41-41 record and got bounced in the first round of the playoffs in six games by the Boston Celtics in 2022-23, offered a package of De'Andre Hunter, AJ Griffin, and draft picks to Toronto for Siakam, league sources told Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.
However, the Raptors rejected the proposal and increased the price on any possible deal at each turn, putting discussions on hold. The two teams discussed the deal as early as the Summer League in July.
With talks on hold, the Hawks are fully prepared to enter the 2023-24 NBA season with their current roster.
Siakam also hasn't submitted a trade request, and he could potentially remain a Raptor even after the trade deadline despite having no extension.
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Siakam wants clarity on future
The 29-year-old is entering the final year of the four-year maximum contract extension worth $130 million that he signed in 2019 after Toronto won the NBA title, wherein he played a big role.
The deal went into effect during the 2020-21 season and would pay him $37.9 million in 2023-24.
Siakam is now eligible for another maximum contract extension worth at least $192 million for four years, but the Raptors have not offered anything on the table, and talks have not ramped up.
According to Charania, players of Siakam's caliber might want a sense of clarity entering a contract year, whether he will be extended or traded.
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