Raptors GM downplays Siakam trade reports: 'That relationship is strong'

Toronto Raptors general manager Bobby Webster says trade rumors surrounding star forward Pascal Siakam are a product of other teams' interest in acquiring the one-time All-Star forward.

"Don't put a ton of stock in the rumors; obviously, it's the teams who want him that are trying to drum things up," Webster said in an appearance on TSN 1050's "Overdrive" on Monday. "We're out here in Las Vegas for summer league. We sat with him and talked with him for a bit, and that relationship is strong. There's a level of trust both ways.

"Don't read into that stuff as much either as far as how we feel internally with Pascal and obviously his role."

Earlier in the day, the 27-year-old's name was attached to a report that cited the Sacramento Kings among the Cameroonian's suitors.

With averages of 21.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, and a career-best 4.5 assists per game last season with strong defense, Siakam offers flexibility on both ends of the floor and is under team control through the 2024 offseason.

After Kyle Lowry's move to the Miami Heat, Siakam and Fred VanVleet stand as the Raptors' longest-tenured players with five seasons of experience to their credit. However, the start of Year 6 for Siakam will likely be delayed, as he's expected to be out for five months after undergoing a procedure to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder in June.

"I think the most important thing is him recovering from his shoulder surgery," Webster said. "He's rehabbing now; he said he feels great. He looks great. He's shooting and dribbling and starting to get further along with his physical therapy."