If you love the NBA, you’re plugged into the rumors. Lately, one has been growing especially loud. By all accounts, it’s inevitable that the Toronto Raptors will trade Pascal Siakam.
Perhaps that was always inevitable. Siakam is a strikingly similar player to Scottie Barnes. If the Raptors have to build around one, the choice is clear. Barnes is substantially younger. The Raptors would have no choice but to invest in him.
Where will Siakam go? That’s a different question. To hear the rumors tell it, he’s got plenty of suitors. The Atlanta Hawks, Orlando Magic, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Indiana Pacers have all been linked to him in the past. Here’s a deal that sends him to the Pacers.
The Trade Proposal
Toronto Raptors Receive: G/F Buddy Hield, F/C Daniel Theis, G/F Bennedict Mathurin, F/C Jalen Smith, 2026 First-Round Pick (IND), 2028 First-Round Pick (IND), 2030 First-Round Pick (IND)
Indiana Pacers Receive: F/C Pascal Siakam
With that said, the Raptors didn’t always see a conflict between Siakam and Barnes. In fact, they may have valued the similarity between the two. The Raptors were trying to double down on players like them.
This team has been stockpiling playmaking wings. These aren’t the only two who have been on this roster. OG Anunoby fits the same description. Dalano Banton was in town for a while. The Raptors obviously have a type.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & Indiana Pacers Updates
That’s all well and good. This year, it felt like it was limiting Barnes’ potential. How is he supposed to outperform Pascal Siakam at this stage of his career? Any responsibility that the Raptors could trust with Barnes, they’d prefer to give to Siakam. Is that reason enough to move SIakam to the Pacers?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
We think so. There’s little question that the Raptors should trade Siakam. The question is this: what should they expect in return for him?
Young players, expiring contracts, and draft capital. This deal checks all those boxes. Hield is on an expiring deal. Meanwhile, Mathurin may be the centerpiece of the deal. The fact that he’s Canadian should be appealing to the Raptors, but not as appealing as the elite shot-making potential he flashed as a rookie.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & Indiana Pacers Updates
Finally, the Raptors land three unprotected first-rounders here. Saying goodbye to Siakam won’t be easy. He was a staple in the Raptors’ only championship in franchise history. Still, it feels like it’s time to move on. Should the Pacers help the Raptors move on from Siakam?
Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal
Frankly, this is a questionable decision for the Pacers. This team is undergoing i’s own rebuild. Moving these assets could be enough to make their front office nervous.
With that said, the Pacers typically don’t like to rebuild for long. This small market team prefers to stay competitive. Adding Siakam would help them do just that. Here, the Pacers are landing one of the best playmaking 4s in the NBA.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & Indiana Pacers Updates
Meanwhile, they do need a 4. After adding one, the Pacers should be a highly competitive squad. Tyrese Haliburton is one of the best young point guards in the NBA. Myles Turner is the type of 3-and-D big man that any contender could covet. Siakam could be the missing piece that gets this team to fringe title contention. Keep an eye on this rumor if you follow the NBA.
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