3 Blockbuster Pacers trades to land Tyrese Haliburton a co-star
By Jack Simone
For the better part of the past decade, the Indiana Pacers have been one of the most average teams in the NBA. Despite making the playoffs five times since 2015, the Pacers were bounced in the first round each time.
But now, the Pacers have something that they haven’t had in years – a young, budding franchise star leading the way. Tyrese Haliburton is that guy, and he’s ready to be the face of the franchise.
With Haliburton at the helm, Myles Turner enjoyed a career year last season, and guys like Bennedict Mathurin, Andrew Nembhard, and Aaron Nesmith all looked great, too. But Haliburton doesn’t have a bonafide star next to him.
Indiana has the assets to make a swing for a big trade if one becomes available, so let’s take a look at three potential blockbuster trades for the Pacers to land Haliburton a co-star.
3 Blockbuster Indiana Pacers trades to land Tyrese Haliburton a co-star: Pascal Siakam trade with Toronto Raptors
The Pacers have been rumored to be interested in Pascal Siakam as the Toronto Raptors ponder what direction they want to take their franchise. As of now, they seem content with sitting on their talent, but that could change at any moment.
Adding Siakam to this current Pacers core would be a massive win. Not only would it give the team a secondary (or primary) scorer, but a ton of pressure would be taken off Haliburton.
Siakam has reportedly made it known that he would only sign an extension with the Raptors, however, so that is a concern the Pacers would have to address before making a move like this.
As for Toronto, they would get some solid assets in this deal, highlighted by a pair of first-round picks from the Pacers. Plus, Canadian point guard Nembhard would head north and fill a huge need at the guard spot for the Raptors.
Potential starting lineup: Tyrese Haliburton, Aaron Nesmith, Bruce Brown, Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner