Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam, a notable name in recent trade speculations, might be headed to the Indiana Pacers.
According to sources from The Athletic, the Raptors and Pacers are actively discussing a trade involving Siakam. The proposed deal includes sending Siakam to Indiana in exchange for a package that features Bruce Brown Jr., alongside other salaries, and three first-round draft picks.
The Athletic’s report indicates that conversations with the Pacers have intensified in recent days, with multiple proposals being exchanged between the two teams. While the Raptors and Pacers are said to be far along in the process, a finalized trade has yet to be confirmed.
Sportsnet’s Michael Grange shared his perspective on the situation, stating that although nothing seems imminent, the Pacers have been in the mix for a while, and the Raptors have been actively engaging with various teams, including the Pacers. The outcome remains uncertain, leaving room for speculation on whether the market is heating up.
The connection between Siakam and the Pacers has been a recurring theme, with various reporters linking the two throughout the month. Now, it appears that serious discussions are taking place involving a player of Siakam’s caliber—an All-NBA forward and impending free agent who posted impressive averages of 22.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game last season.
The reported asking price for Siakam is substantial, highlighted by the inclusion of three first-round draft picks, making it a noteworthy package. Brown, a key contributor to the championship-winning Denver Nuggets team, adds further value with his solid performance in Indiana, averaging 12.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in his 33 starts.
The Raptors seem to be in a rebuilding phase amid a challenging season, having already traded OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks in a previous deal. With Siakam’s name circulating in trade rumors, it appears increasingly likely that he could be playing for another team before the February 8 trade deadline.
Complicating matters, extension talks between the Raptors and Siakam are reportedly “nowhere close,” as mentioned by Adrian Wojnarowski on NBA Today. This development adds to the speculation that Toronto might consider trading Siakam to secure a return before he potentially enters free agency.
On the other side, the Pacers, currently sixth in the Eastern Conference with a 23-17 record, are in a win-now mentality. The team boasts the league’s top scoring offense, and acquiring Siakam could elevate them to even greater heights as they aim for success, especially with Tyrese Haliburton having a breakout season that might earn him an All-NBA team appearance.
