One NBA writer is proposing that the Indiana Pacers and Toronto Raptors make a blockbuster trade centered around Buddy Hield and Pascal Siakam.
Dan Favale of Bleacher Report proposed that the Pacers trade Hield, T.J. McConnell, Jarace Walker, a 2024 first-round pick and a 2026 first-round pick to the Raptors for Siakam.
“Indiana’s roster is also built to maximize Siakam,” Favale wrote. “He gets to play alongside a floor-spacing 5 in Myles Turner, can soak up some spot center reps and has plenty of room to attack on-ball yet doesn’t need to drive the entire show. Giving up Jarace Walker, the No. 8 pick in this year’s draft, and two protected firsts is a reasonable price to pay for an All-NBA-type talent who, despite what naysayers think, vaults the Pacers into a different stratosphere.”
The Pacers have “touched base” with the Raptors about trading for Siakam, according to NBA insider Scott Agness. Siakam has one year left on his contract and the Raptors are aggressively gauging his market value.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & Indiana Pacers 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.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & Indiana Pacers Updates
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. If Indiana is able to acquire Siakam, the franchise would be a playoff team next season.
Both Hield and Siakam have been in trade rumors this summer. It will be fascinating to see if either player gets moved.
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