Grade the trade: Pacers snag Pascal Siakam in proposed blockbuster
By Tyler Watts
Laying out the Indiana Pacers trade for Pascal Siakam
Multiple teams are bidding for Siakam with no clear frontrunner. The Hawks, Magic, and Pacers are the known organizations, but there could be others. If Indiana is going to get the 6’9 forward to team with Tyrese Haliburton, they will have to outbid the others.
Siakam’s expiring deal likely drives the price down. It would be surprising to see the Pacers trade multiple first-round picks if it is a Kawhi Leonard to Toronto situation. Indiana is not winning the title next season. They want Siakam as their long-term starter next to Haliburton.
Bleacher Report settled on this deal that would see the Raptors land three players, including the eighth selection in the 2023 draft, and two first-rounder picks.
This trade would have to be followed by a Siakam extension. The Pacers have explored the market for Buddy Hield and T.J. McConnell, but there is no way Indiana would dangle the eighth pick and two future firsts for just one year of the 6’9 forward.
The Raptors get three first-rounders here when including the rookie that has not played an NBA minute. They are not receiving more for an expiring contract. If Toronto decides to trade Pascal Siakam, the above offer could be the winning bid, but would the Indiana Pacers do it?