Overview
The Toronto Raptors have been engaged in active trade discussions with the Indiana Pacers centered around sending two-time All-Star forward Pascal Siakam to Indiana, according to multiple reports. Talks between the two teams picked up momentum in recent days, with the Pacers emerging as the frontrunner to land Siakam ahead of the February 9th trade deadline.
Siakam has averaged 24.9 points, 7.9 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game this season for the struggling Raptors. With Toronto seemingly headed towards a rebuild, the team is considering trading their top players, including Siakam. The 28-year-old forward intends to become an unrestricted free agent in 2024 by declining his $37 million player option, and has indicated to the Raptors that he will not commit to re-signing long-term with any new team he is traded to.
The Pacers have had exploratory talks with the Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks regarding Siakam, however Indiana is currently viewed as the top suitor. The potential framework of a deal would send guard Buddy Hield and small forward Jalen Smith from Indiana to Toronto, with additional draft compensation that could potentially include three first-round picks heading to the Raptors.
Background and Lead-up
Siakam has spent his entire six-year career with Toronto after being selected 27th overall by the Raptors in the 2016 NBA Draft. He was a key member of Toronto’s championship-winning team in 2019 alongside Kawhi Leonard and Kyle Lowry.
After earning Most Improved Player honors in 2019, Siakam signed a four-year, $130 million contract extension with the Raptors in 2020. However, with the offseason trade of veteran point guard Fred VanVleet to the Los Angeles Lakers, Toronto signaled its intention to undergo a rebuild centered around their younger core including Scottie Barnes and rookie forward O.G. Anunoby.
The Raptors have struggled significantly this season at 18-28, second-worst in the Eastern Conference. With the team hitting reset, trade speculation around their top players like Siakam and Anunoby ramped up considerably in recent weeks leading into the February 9th trade deadline.
Raptors Trade Talks Breakdown
The primary package on the table from Indiana would send the sharpshooting veteran Hield and former #10 overall pick Jalen Smith to Toronto. Hield is averaging 17.5 points per game while shooting over 39% from three this season. The 25-year old Smith has shown promise in a reserve role for the Pacers, averaging 8.4 points and 4.9 rebounds.
Here is a breakdown of the key details surrounding a potential Siakam to Indiana deal:
| Team | Players/Assets Traded |
|---|---|
| Raptors Receive | Buddy Hield, Jalen Smith, potential 2025, 2027 & 2029 FRPs from Pacers |
| Pacers Receive | Pascal Siakam |
While no deal is imminent yet, sources indicate the trade talks have significant momentum as the February 9th deadline approaches. The Raptors are seeking maximum draft compensation for Siakam, while the Pacers hope to package Hield’s strong perimeter shooting alongside franchise cornerstone Tyrese Haliburton in pursuit of a deep postseason run.
What Happens Next?
With the Raptors viewing a Siakam trade as increasingly likely, teams across the league will continue monitoring his market ahead of the deadline. One wildcard is Siakam’s own intentions, as his reluctance to commit long-term to a new team has impacted trade discussions to this point according to sources.
Should no deal come to fruition, expect Toronto to explore trading Siakam again in the 2024 offseason. However, the market may be depressed at that point with his pending free agency looming in 2025. For the Pacers, the opportunity to acquire a player of Siakam’s caliber and pair him with rising stars Haliburton and rookie Benedict Mathurin may be too good to pass up as they look to accelerate their rebuild in the weaker Eastern Conference.
Stay tuned leading into the February 9th 3PM EST deadline, as a monster deal sending Pascal Siakam out of Toronto appears increasingly likely in the coming weeks barring any late snags in negotiations.
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