5 All-in trades Clippers should make around Kawhi Leonard and Paul George

2. Clippers find All-Star forward

Raptors president Masai Ujiri made it clear that extension talks with Pascal Siakam are on hold until he sees the team play the “right way” around the two-time All-Star. It was bold with Siakam entering the final year of his deal. He could depart in free agency next summer.

There will be no shortage of suitors if he reaches the open market, but the Raptors must make a move before the trade deadline in February. They just lost Fred VanVleet to the Rockets and cannot afford to see two All-Stars depart with zero return. If Toronto decides against extending Siakam, he should be traded.

This trade only makes sense for the Clippers if Pascal Siakam is willing to sign a long-term deal. LA has eight players over 30 years old, and they need another star to win now. Siakam turns 30 in April but would make the Clippers a nightmare playoff matchup if their team is healthy.

Kawhi Leonard won a championship playing next to Siakam in 2019. The 6’9 forward fully broke out in those playoffs as the Klaw proved he was one of the best players in the world. Could they both ascend to those heights playing next to each other again?

Trading for Pascal Siakam may be the LA Clippers’ best shot at challenging for the title in 2024 but acquiring James Harden seems like the franchise’s most likely scenario.