In the NBA, conditions are always changing. The league’s landscape continues to shift. Sometimes, a situation feels resolved – until another situation changes. Suddenly, we need to reevaluate everything – again.
Take the relationship between Pascal Siakam and the Toronto Raptors. We talked about the possibility that the Raptors could trade Siakam ad nauseam leading up to this year’s trade deadline. They didn’t. It felt like a renewed commitment to Siakam. With that said the Raptors’ media day misfortunes have led to further speculation that the team could look to move their star wing.
Meanwhile, Buddy Hield of the Indiana Pacers has emerged as a new trade target. Most are expecting the Pacers to flip Hield to a contender in exchange for a future-focused package. They could go that route. On the other hand, the Pacers could also look to include Hield in a larger trade for a star. How about Siakam?
The Trade Proposal
Toronto Raptors Receive: G/F Buddy Hield, F/C Daniel Theis, G/F Benedict Mathurin, 2025 First-Round Pick (IND), 2027 First-Round Pick (IND)
Indiana Pacers Receive: F/C Pascal Siakam
On the other hand, this could be much ado about nothing. That’s the thing about the NBA. Conditions change, but sometimes, they aren’t the ones we thought would change. The next major NBA trade may come completely out of the woodwork.
After all, we don’t know if Masai Ujiri referred to Siakam when he mentioned “selfish play”. Perhaps he wasn’t. In that event, this situation could be easily cleared up. Meanwhile, the Raptors were allegedly considering acquiring Damian Lillard this summer. That’s not something a team planning on trading a player like Siakam could do.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & Indiana Pacers Updates
Moreover, we’re not sure if Indiana wants to trade Hield. It’s been rumored that the Pacers aren’t sure what kind of extension Hield should get next summer. Sometimes, NBA rumors are more speculative than factual. It may be that, in fact, a beat writer somewhere isn’t sure about Hield’s extension, and we’re playing a game of broken telephone. Should the Pacers trade their sharpshooter?
Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal
Everyone won’t love this deal for Indiana. We understand. To an extent, it feels like they’re skipping steps. The Pacers missed the playoffs last season. Why are they making a win-now move for a player like Siakam?
Well, that’s typically how the Pacers have operated. This team is less concerned with tanking for top lottery picks and more about getting competitive as soon as possible. If Indiana wants to continue down that path, this deal makes sense. Siakam would make them a much better team. How good could they be?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & Indiana Pacers Updates
Frankly, they could be pretty good. Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam are a talented star duo. With Myles Turner spacing the floor and anchoring the defense, this should be a playoff team – or better. Should the Raptors help Indiana return to the postseason?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
This deal has the Raptors taking the opposite route. They were another playoff hopeful who missed out on the big dance. Here, they’re deciding to blow up their core. Why should they operate so differently from the Pacers?
Well, Indiana has a ready-made star in Haliburton. By contrast, the Raptors don’t have that player. Scottie Barnes can potentially be one of the best players in the league, but he’s not there yet. Moreover, it’s fair to question whether he can even reach that potential with Siakam on the roster. These are two remarkably similar players.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & Indiana Pacers Updates
So, the Raptors are choosing Barnes here. Meanwhile, they’re getting a strong return for Siakam. Mathurin has star potential in his own right – and the fact that he’s Canadian doesn’t hurt. Throw in a pair of unprotected first-round picks, and this could be enough for the Raptors to shift the league’s landscape.
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