The Pascal Siakam trade saga has concluded, with the Toronto Raptors trading the forward to the Indiana Pacers in a three-team deal involving the New Orleans Pelicans, according to information from league insider Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Pascal Siakam trade details:
Pacers receive:
Pascal Siakam and 2024 second-round pick (via Pelicans).
Raptors receive:
Bruce Brown Jr., Jordan Nwora, Kira Lewis Jr. (from Pelicans), two 2024 first-round picks (via Pacers and the worst among the OKC, UTAH, HOU, and LAC picks), and one 2026 first-round pick (via Pacers).
Pelicans receive:
Luxury tax compensation/cash considerations.
The Raptors will now begin a comprehensive rebuild, and they got a good haul for sending out their two best players over the past month.
Last month, the Raptors traded 2023 All-Defensive Second Team member OG Anunoby, along with Malachi Flynn and Precious Achiuwa, to the New York Knicks. In return, they acquired RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and a 2024 second-round pick.
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Why is Pascal Siakam a good fit for the Indiana Pacers?
1. Siakam gives Indiana much-needed size
The Pacers are set to bolster their size in the forward position with the arrival of the 6-foot-8 Siakam.
Despite being somewhat undersized for the role, Aaron Nesmith (6-foot-5), Bennedict Mathurin (6-foot-5), and Buddy Hield (6-foot-4) have each logged more than half of their minutes at the forward spot this season.
Size is a luxury in today's league, and the Pacers will have a skillful player to do the job for them.
2. The Pacers have a legitimate number two option
One of the primary challenges the Pacers encountered this season was the absence of a reliable second option behind star point guard Tyrese Haliburton. In addressing this deficiency, the team acquired one of the best players available to fulfill that role.
Siakam was elite as a second option during the Raptors' championship season in 2018-19 when he played alongside Kawhi Leonard, and he could thrive in a similar role with the Pacers. While still performing admirably as the team's primary option upon the departure of Leonard, Siakam faced occasional struggles.
The synergy between Haliburton and Siakam is anticipated to be strong, with the potential for Siakam to capitalize on easy scoring opportunities facilitated by Haliburton's playmaking skills.
3. Siakam will boost the Pacers' defense
The offense is not a problem for the Pacers, as they currently lead the league in offensive rating and are on track to set the record for the highest offensive rating of all time.
The primary challenge for the Pacers this season has been their defense. Despite having a rim protector in center, Myles Turner, the team has struggled to contain opponents effectively.
Currently ranking 26th in defense, they find themselves near the Play-In territory as the 6th seed in the Eastern Conference despite boasting the best offense in NBA history.
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