The Toronto Raptors and Indiana Pacers are in the final stages of a trade that will see Pascal Siakam, a two-time All-Star, moving to Indiana. As part of the blockbuster deal. The Raptors are set to receive three first-round picks, along with Bruce Brown and Jordan Nwora. The trade, which involves the New Orleans Pelicans sending Kira Lewis Jr. to Toronto, comes ahead of the Feb. 8 NBA trade deadline.
The Raptors obtained three first-round picks. Two of these picks will be in the 2024 NBA Draft: Indiana’s pick and a pick originally acquired from the Thunder, representing the lowest selection among the Jazz, Rockets, and Thunder. According to The Athletic, the third first-rounder is Indiana’s 2026 selection, which is top-four protected.
The full breakdown of the deal, as reported by thesportingden
Pacers receive: Pascal Siakam, 2024 second-round pick (via Pelicans) Raptors receive: Bruce Brown, Jordan Nwora, Kira Lewis Jr., 2024 first-round pick (via Pacers), 2024 first-round pick (lesser of picks from Jazz/Clippers/Rockets/Thunder), and 2026 first-round pick (via Pacers, protected 1-4) Pelicans receive: Cash considerations Despite being an impending free agent, Siakam is reportedly eager to negotiate a long-term deal with Indiana this summer.
Siakam’s agent, Todd Ramasar, expressed excitement about Siakam’s opportunity with the Pacers, citing the promising pairing with Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner under the coaching of Rick Carlisle.
Several other teams, including the Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks, actively pursued acquiring Siakam. The Raptors initially discussed a potential deal with the Sacramento Kings, but the negotiations eventually fell through as the Kings reportedly refused to include second-year forward Keegan Murray in the agreement. Facing impending free agency, Siakam wielded unusual leverage in trade negotiations by potentially dissuading teams he wasn’t interested in.
Indiana, currently holding the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference with a 23-17 record. Positioned themselves well for this significant addition. Owning their first-round picks and an additional 2024 first-rounder from the Thunder. The Pacers also have the potential to create max cap space this offseason. Giving them leverage in negotiations with the Raptors.
Siakam, 29, has been a key player for the Raptors, averaging 22.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game this season. In his eighth NBA season, all with the Raptors, he has made two All-Star teams, two All-NBA teams, and contributed to Toronto’s first NBA title in 2019.
This trade follows the Raptors’ earlier move this season. Sending OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks. Acquiring RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley. The Raptors continue to reshape their roster, aiming for a younger lineup around centerpiece forward Scottie Barnes.
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While not known for aggressive pursuit of veteran talent. The emergence of Tyrese Haliburton as an MVP candidate has altered Indiana’s approach to roster building. Potentially positioning them as championship contenders in the near future.
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