The NBA trade deadline is quickly approaching. Around the league, some players are seen as prime candidates to be moved. For fans, it’s exciting to anticipate which major players will find new homes.
Pascal Siakam of the Toronto Raptors is chief among them. Let’s be honest – it will be shocking if Siakam doesn’t get moved. Out of all of the players around the league, he may be the most significant player who’s almost certain to get moved this year.
You’re probably familiar with his suitors. They aren’t unlimited – Siakam’s impending free agency may limit his trade value. Still, there are a handful of teams who feel like they could take a gamble on Siakam anyway.
Here’s a deal that has him landing on the Indiana Pacers.
NBA Trade Proposal: Indiana Pacers Land Toronto Raptors’ Pascal Siakam
Toronto Raptors Receive: G/F Buddy Hield, G T.J. McConnell, G/F Bennedict Mathurin, 2025 First-Round Pick (IND), 2027 First-Round Pick (IND)
Indiana Pacers Receive: F/C Pascal Siakam
Perhaps we shouldn’t take anything for granted. The NBA is notoriously unpredictable. We could see a star who hasn’t even been in the rumor mill get moved at the deadline.
On the other hand, we could see players who are expected to be traded stay put. Remember last year’s deadline? The Raptors were supposed to – you guessed it – trade Siakam. They didn’t.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors, Indiana Pacers Updates
This team has subverted our expectations before. Will they do it again? Perhaps. On the other hand, one could argue that Siakam’s longstanding presence in trade rumors makes it more likely that Toronto will move him.
Should the Pacers be the team to resolve this situation finally?
Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal
It’s been a wild season for the Pacers. They’ve got the best offense in the NBA. They also have the worst defense in the NBA. Should the Pacers make a major move at this year’s deadline?
You can make either case. Still, if the Pacers are going to acquire a major player, that player ought to be a defensive ace. At the same time, the Pacers don’t want to compromise their offensive identity. If this team is trading for a star, they should be a two-way star.
Siakam is a two-way star. His secondary playmaking will alleviate Tyrese Haliburton’s load. Meanwhile. his defensive versatility should give this team a major boost.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors, Indiana Pacers Updates
Parting with Mathurin stings, but the Pacers could be a dark horse title contender if they landed Siakam.
Should the Raptors help them take that leap?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
The Pacers may be a piece away from contention. By contrast, the Raptors are several pieces away. This team won’t be in the title picture for a few years.
That’s fine. The Raptors already made a major deal to brighten their future. Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett were sensible acquisitions. Still, this team’s future rests with Scottie Barnes. Siakam isn’t a good fit with him. That’s why the Raptors are expected to move him.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors, Indiana Pacers Updates
By contrast, Mathurin could be part of this team’s future. The fact that he’s Canadian doesn’t hurt either. Throw in a pair of first-round picks, and this deal could entice the Raptors to move on from Siakam – finally.
