The Indiana Pacers have earnestly explored any starting-level, modern power forwards across the NBA, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports. The team has been linked to Pascal Siakam, Tobias Harris and OG Anunoby.
The Pacers were linked to Harrison Barnes, but the NBA champion re-signed with the Sacramento Kings and can’t be traded until January 15.
“For the last year and change, the Pacers have earnestly explored any starting-level, modern power forwards across the NBA, from Tobias Harris to Harrison Barnes to Siakam’s teammate, O.G Anunoby, sources said,” Fischer wrote. “There’s no doubt Indiana has at least discussed the premise of adding Siakam and the steep asking price Toronto has, by all accounts, maintained for all of its veteran talents the past few seasons.”
The Sixers won’t commit to trading Harris unless the deal improves their flexibility and top-end ceiling, according to Kyle Neubeck of PhillyVoice. Meanwhile, the Raptors are not interested in trading Anunoby, per Michael Grange of Sportsnet, but Siakam is available for the right price since he has one year left on his contract and Toronto is aggressively gauging his market value.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Indiana Pacers, Pascal Siakam, Tobias Harris & OG Anunoby Updates
Siakam signed a four-year, $136 million rookie contract extension with the Raptors in October 2019. He will make $37.9 million next season and become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2024. The talented small forward averaged 24.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.8 assists last season while shooting 48.0% from the field, 32.4% from beyond the arc and 77.4% from the free-throw line.
Siakam has career averages of 17.0 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists. He won the 2019 championship and the 2018-19 Most Improved Player of the Year Award.
The Pacers, who haven’t made the playoffs since 2020, are trying to surround Tyrese Haliburton with more win-now talent, which is why they signed Bruce Brown in free agency and acquired Obi Toppin from the New York Knicks.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Indiana Pacers, Pascal Siakam, Tobias Harris & OG Anunoby Updates
The Raptors lost the 9-10 play-in game to the Chicago Bulls and didn’t make the 2023 playoffs. Nick Nurse was fired as head coach and replaced by Darko Rajakovic. Fred VanVleet, who was close with Siakam, left the Raptors for the Houston Rockets in free agency.
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