The NBA world has been waiting for the Toronto Raptors to trade Pascal Siakam. He’s been in trade rumors for over two years now. So, what we’ll suggest in this article is not novel.
With that said, the circumstances have changed. Siakam’s potential redundancy with Scottie Barnes has always been something to consider.
Sure. With that said, the Raptors could justify keeping Siakam more easily than before. After all, they didn’t know what they had in Barnes. Now, they do. Barnes looks the part of a future superstar.
This has re-ignited Siakam trade talks. It feels almost imperative that the Raptors move him. With that in mind, don’t be surprised if some of the same old suitors come up.
How about the Indiana Pacers?
NBA Trade Proposal: Indiana Pacers Land Toronto Raptors’ Pascal Siakam
Toronto Raptors Receive: G/F Buddy Hield, F/C Daniel Theis, G TJ McConnell, G/F Benedict Mathurin, G Andrew Nembhard, 2026 First-Round Pick (IND), 2028 First-Round Pick (IND)
Indiana Pacers Receive: F/C Pascal Siakam
Meanwhile, Siakam isn’t the only player we’ve been waiting for the Raptors to trade. Perhaps the Raptors have been waiting as well. Some would suggest that they’ve waited too long.
This team has been bleeding talent in free agency in recent years. Kyle Lowry left. So did Fred VanVleet. The Raptors could have gotten something for either player.
Instead, they stubbornly held onto them. Watching them leave in free agency was painful. The Raptors were left without any value for quality players.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors, Indiana Pacers Updates
If they don’t change their ways, they may be in for more pain soon. Siakam will be due to hit free agency soon, and so will O.G. Anunoby. The Raptors need to be proactive in making decisions this season.
Should they decide to send Siakam to the Pacers?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
Anunoby’s pending free agency has made him a popular trade target as well. With that said, it feels like the Raptors would rather hang onto him. Anunoby is a perfect compliment to Barnes.
This deal helps them accomplish that goal. Hield is on an expiring contract. The Raptors would be clearing a lot of cap space for Anunoby by making this deal.
With that said, they could actually use a player like Hield. The Raptors need shooting. If they can agree on an extension with Hield next summer.
Still, if they can’t, this is still a good deal. After all, it helps the Raptors prepare for the future. in fact, Mathurin could be their alpha scorer moving forward.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors, Indiana Pacers Updates
He should be a nice fit alongside a playmaker like Barnes. Throw in a pair of unprotected first-round picks, and this deal should be enough for the Raptors to move on from Siakam.
Should the Pacers acquire him?
Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal
The Raptors aren’t the only team that’s been hesitant to make decisions. The Pacers have been on the cusp for a couple of seasons now as well. Are they rebuilding, or are they competitive?
Here, we’ve got them making a decision. By adding Siakam, the Pacers would be officially switching into win-now mode. Meanwhile, he should be a perfect fit with this roster.
Siakam is a two-way wing who will give the Pacers a secondary playmaker behind Tyrese Haliburton. His partnership with Myles Turner in the frontcourt should pay dividends as well.
Is this a perfect fit? Not necessarily. The Pacers would be edging Jarace Walker out of the picture to an extent by adding Siakam. That’s fine – the Pacers can deal with that later.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors, Indiana Pacers Updates
Perhaps they’ll trade Walker for another win-now piece. Rest assured, the NBA world will be waiting if they put him on the block.
