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

[DanSchwartzgan]

I know I look like number 1 Siakam fan here, due to all the posts. I actually said several times he might not be perfect (and I would prefer Grant), but no number three guy is. My main argument is - if you can get such a good player for so few assets that Mavs have, there is imho really nothing to think about but make it happen.

I think it is GSW or Dallas if he’s moved.  I don’t know what the perfect third ‘star’ looks like anymore.  But availability is the number one criteria.  Right now he seems to be the best player who is available.  He can also be part of solving the backup center thing here, so there’s that.

I put a lot of stock in Chris Haynes reporting on GSW’s interest as I think it comes straight from Chris Paul.  I think GSW can put together a better offer since CP3 is expiring and Kuminga is better than anyone Dallas might offer.  Siakam has the power to sway this if he wants to put his thumb on the scale.  His facilitation skills would be more valuable in GS than they probably would be in Dallas.  For the next two years or so, I don’t see a reason for him to pick Dallas over GSW.  Longer term….that probably favors Dallas, but you never know as Kyrie will age out just like Curry and Thompson.  And Luka isn’t a lock past a certain point either.

So, I think GSW is in the drivers seat right now and Dallas is the backup plan if GSW won’t put what Toronto wants in the package.  I think Nico is probably smart to wait this out.  As I’ve said before, you have to beat competing offers without giving up too much because of the risk of Siakam walking this summer.  It is a fine line that we don’t need to cross when there are other options.