The Toronto Raptors have traded All-Star Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers, according to multiple media reports.
The reported trade will see Siakam sent to Indiana in exchange for Bruce Brown and Jordan Nwora. The Raps will also pick up three first-round picks.
The New Orleans Pelicans are also reportedly involved in the deal and will send Kira Lewis to the Raptors as part of the trade.
Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam sits on the bench during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz, Friday, Jan. 12, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Siakam has spent his entire NBA career with the Raptors, signing with the team in 2016.
The Cameroonian forward was a key part of the Raptors’ 2019 championship win and was named an NBA All-Star twice, once in 2020 and again in 2023.
Siakam averaged 17.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game during his time in Toronto.
The 29-year-old was set to become a free agent at the end of the season.
According to Jay Rosales, co-host of That’s A Rap podcast, Siakam’s expiring contract likely played a large part in Wednesday’s deal.
“Because of what happened with Fred Vanvleet leaving [Toronto] in free agency for nothing, the pressure was on [President] Masai Ujiri and [General Manager] Bobby Webster to do something,” Rosales told CP24. “And when the two sides could not meet on a contract extension, I think the writing was on the wall.”
Siakam’s trade is the second blockbuster move for the team in as many months.
In December, the Raptors traded OG Anunoby and Precious Achiuwa to the New York Knicks in exchange for Mississauga’s RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley.
Source: cp24.com
