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

[SleepingHero]

I saw Stein said Siakam, if traded, is unlikely to sign a two year extension and would prefer to enter free agency to "gain ultimate control".  If so, the offers are going to be diluted, I would believe. 

Stein also said the Mavs are looking to upgrade their PF spot, but Siam is not their top target.  ATL, IND, SAC, DET, MEMP are teams that could be suitors.

If the Mavs were to trade for him and then offer him the full 5 year 250mil max in the summer, Siakam will 100% sign the dotted line. Not sure why he won't. That whole "waiting until free agency" bs is just leverage for Siakam to tell teams "pay me my money or else I walk". 

I think Masai basically backed himself into a corner where he HAS to sell Siakam for pennies on the dollar cause of this situation. It also means it might be more realistic than we think in terms of assets for a Siakam deal. 

Of course that contract gives me pause. Last 2 years is ~54 mil and ~57 mil respectively. But it does emphatically open a clear window for the Mavericks the next 3 years at least. I can't really think of a more ideal 4 next to Luka and Kyrie. Siakam did have 2 years around 36%, one being next to Kawhi. I think next to Kyrie and Luka his looks would be the best he's ever had. 

I think that alone is worth it. Especially since THJ, Holmes, and Green aren't anywhere close to the player Siakam is. I just hope it actually happens at this point. Stein is either downplaying it because the Mavs truly aren't interested, or playing distraction to not tip other teams and drive up the price.