The Toronto Raptors have reportedly traded Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers in a blockbuster deal, sending shockwaves through the NBA.
Pascal Siakam has been the subject of trade rumors for quite some time, and now he has a new home. Reports say that the Toronto Raptors are trading Siakam to the Indiana Pacers.
The Pacers are trading Bruce Brown, Jordan Nwora, and three first-round picks to Toronto. The New Orleans Pelicans are also involved in the deal, and will send Kira Lewis to the Raptors and a second round pick to the Pacers.
Siakam started his career with the Raptors. He was the 27th pick of the 2016 draft. Since then, he has been a key player for Toronto. His game improved significantly in his third season as he averaged 16.9 points and 6.9 rebounds. He averaged 7.3 points the year before and 4.2 points in his rookie season. Siakam was named Most Improved Player of the Year in 2019, which is the same year the Raptors won their first championship. Siakam played a big role in their win (along with Kawhi Leonard) and made history in the process.
Siakam remained a focal point for the Raptors after Leonard’s departure. They had other players like OG Anunoby (who they traded to the New York Knicks earlier this season), Scottie Barnes (the 2022 Rookie of the Year) and others. Siakam’s departure shows that the Raptors are once again starting a rebuild, and Barnes and new addition RJ Barrett (who they acquired from the Knicks in the Anunoby trade) will be leading the way.
Siakam averages 22.2 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists this season. He is playing well, and now he joins the likes of Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield (who may be involved in a trade package later) and Myles Turner. The Pacers are building something special, and could be a team to watch out for.
The Pacer’s addition of Siakam is a big trade (especially considering teams like the Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks were in the mix for Siakam) and could be a sign of things to come before the trade deadline.
