7 Players Celtics might replace Kristaps Porzingis with by the trade deadline

2. Pascal Siakam

Siakam is entering the final year of his contract, and the Raptors have a decision to make. Do they extend the 29-year-old forward on a monster contract or trade him before the deadline? Toronto has missed the playoffs in two of the last three years and lost Fred VanVleet in free agency this summer. They are not contenders, but do the Raptors fully rebuild?

Siakam wants to stay in Toronto, which could further complicate any trade. The Raptors will get significantly less for a rental than a two-time All-Star willing to sign a long-term deal. The 6’9 forward figures to have some say in where he lands.

Boston has nearly the perfect matching salary in Kristaps Porzingis and could create an elite small ball lineup with the two-time All-Star at the five. Derrick White and Malcolm Brogdon could play in the backcourt with Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum at the forward spots. It would allow Boston to switch everything and be a nightmare matchup in the playoffs.

Pascal Siakam may not make it to the deadline. The Hawks have already made an offer and are eager to upgrade their roster around Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. If the Raptors do not find a workable deal, the Boston Celtics may come calling closer to the deadline if things with Kristaps Porzingis are not going as planned.