Trade & FA 2023-24: Stein-Ingram Trade Inevitable| LAL Want Lebron Back On Any Terms

[omahen]

I have long been a proponent of targeting Siakim. I've been talking about that for YEARS, actually. Now, something about the fit with Lively (and Kyrie) doesn't quite work for me. I probably still do a deal (if I'm confident he'll re-sign), and I know this will illicit eye rolls, but...we really, really should be talking about the fit. It's not ideal at this time.

He's not much of a catch and shoot guy, Siakim. I stand by what I said a few weeks back: In a post-Lively world, wherein he's a screener on MOST plays and the generation of driving lanes for BOTH Luka and Kyrie (and now Exum, even) is everything to the team, shooting/spacing is the #1 box you have to check with the 5th guy. Maybe Siakim gets that, is happy with an off-ball role and even improves at shooting off the catch in this system. I can't deny that's a possibility, and he certainly fits in from a defense/rebounding/running the floor perspective.

But...I see some Porzingis fit potential here. I really do. I know it won't be popular, but I'm just saying. Talent-wise, we've at least ventured into a situation where using '27 makes a little sense, and I'd have no objection to sending any of the players mentioned to Toronto (except O-Max, who in one year might be all the parts of Siakim we want and none of the parts we don't). My concerns are all about fit, and I could be talked into it for sure.

I share your concern about Siakam wanting to be more than third banana. But, he will be third banana in Philly too. So perhaps, he would be willing to accept that role to be in a competitive environment. 

As for offense, I am not so concerned. I recognize he is not a good shooter. But, Mavs offense with DJJ next to Luka, Kyrie, Exum and Lively is still great. As good as DJJ is, I think Siakam has way more in his bag offensively to work on. Especially, if we can survive playing him as a small ball centre in playoffs or next to a guy like Maxi (that pairing might be perfect, if Maxi can return to court at any point and play reasonably well).