Breaking: Pascal Siakam Traded to Indiana Pacers

Read Time:2 Minute, 6 Second

After rumors suggested talks between the Toronto Raptors and Indiana Pacers grew early in the week, a trade has finally happened. First reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the trade is as follows:

Indiana Pacers Receive:

Pascal Siakam

Toronto Raptors Receive:

Bruce Brown
Jordan Nwora
Three first-round picks

Woj would later report that the New Orleans Pelicans would have a small role in the trade, sending Kira Lewis to Toronto and sending a second-round pick to the Pacers to move under the luxury tax. The Pacers picks going to Toronto include their own 2024 pick, another 2024 pick that’s the worst out of OKC, Utah, Houston, or the Clippers, and the Pacers 2026 pick that will have protections on it.

The biggest piece moved in this trade is two-time All-Star Pascal Siakam, who will give a big boost to the Pacers. Spending the first seven and a half seasons of his career in Toronto and being a pivotal part of their 2019 championship team, Siakam joins another star in Tyrese Haliburton in hopes of making the Pacers a legitimate championship contender. Reports suggest Siakam is excited to talk with the Pacers regarding a new contract this summer.

After several seasons of sitting in the middle of the pack, Toronto finally embraces a rebuild around their young star Scottie Barnes. Recently adding RJ Barret and Immanuel Quickley in a trade for OG Anunoby at the end of 2023, Toronto is surrounding Barnes with promising young players. Currently sitting at 15-25 and outside of the playoffs, it is likely the Raptors will take a step back as the plan for the summer and the future ahead.

For the Pacers, they add a much-needed star wing to play alongside Tyrese Haliburton. While Siakam is not one of the best stoppers in the league, he is still a force on the defensive end. Another benefit Siakam brings is another impactful scoring option for the young Pacers. Siakam will give the Pacers a boost as they have stalled following the In-Season Tournament. Sitting at 23-16 in the East and on the verge of being in the play-in tournament, the Siakam trade is a move that should keep the Pacers a serious contender to make the playoffs.

The Raptors and Pacers will play the Raptors three more times this season. Their next matchup will see Siakam return to Toronto on February 14th, with one more game in February and one more in April.