Hot take from Bill Simmons appearing on NBA Radio (satellite radio) a few days ago:
Siakam for Towns
I like it for both teams, but especially Minny.
I would agree that Towns has more ceiling than Siakam, although both are 27. Is Towns a better pairing with Poeltl though? Seems very lateral for both teams.
I believe Siakam is 29.
Siakam turns 30 at the END of next season (in April), Towns turns 28 at the START of next season in November. Siakam is about 19 months older than Towns.
It makes SOME sense for both teams. For the Wolves Siakam is a far better defender of forward types than KAT. KAT also is about to start his super max-contract in 24-25 and its hard to see how the Wolves carry all three of Towns, Gobert and Edwards on their new contracts. Siakam would be cheaper even if he signs for the full 30% max, and he might be sign-able for less. For TOR you get a guy who is a fantastic offensive player and a far better fit at center next to Barnes/OG at the forward spots. Sure, Poetl doesn't fit great in there but he's also not good enough worry about. Trade him if need be. Towns is VERY bad on defense, but if anywhere can make it work its a place with a bunch of 6'8 forwards surrounding him.
Probably not a deal that happens. MIN probably wants more given the age difference/reputation league wide. And even if Siakam is a better defensive fit next to Gobert he's not a great shooter, front court shooting becomes an issue for MIN. That Gobert trade just hamstrung them so badly.
I can't see the Celtics in on Siakam. Before the KP trade MAYBE Brown for Siakam made a little sense, but now the front court is deeper than our wing rotation. And although I think they have the ammo to do it without Brown asset wise I don't think they have the spending power to make his contract work with brown/Tatum/KP.
