Raptors’ Pascal Siakam: ‘I Don’t Really Pay Attention’ to Trade Rumors amid Buzz

Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty ImagesWhile Pascal Siakam’s name might be involved in trade buzz, the Toronto Raptors forward is focused on doing his job on the court.

Per the Sacramento Bee’s Jason Anderson, Siakam, who has been linked to a potential trade with the Sacramento Kings, said that he doesn’t worry about trade rumors and lets other people handle that area.

“I don’t really pay attention to anything,” Siakam said. “I have people who work on that stuff. I play basketball. I’m a basketball player and that’s all I try to focus on.”

The eight year player is currently leading the Raptors in scoring at 22.3 points per game amid a 14-21 start.

While there has been plenty of buzz about a potential Kings trade for Siakam, The Athletic and Stadium’s Sham Charania reported Friday that trade conversations between the Kings and Raptors are over.

Had the Kings pursued a possible deal for Siakam, it likely would have meant dealing a member of their core that took them to the playoffs for the first time since 2006 last season — or giving up future picks.

Sacramento is having a successful season so far, sitting in fifth place in the Western Conference at 21-13 behind De’Aaron Fox, who is putting up a career-high 29.2 points per game, and Domantas Sabonis, who is averaging 19.7 points, 12.9 rebounds and 7.6 assists per game.

The Raptors have already been active in the trade market, dealing OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks for Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett and a 2024 second-round pick. Toronto is currently out of the playoff picture at 14-21, but it is looking to its new members to help spark a mid-season surge.

For now, Siakam will look to be a part of that surge and ignore the trade rumors.