Report: 2 Teams rivaling Pacers in potential trade pursuit for 2 star forwards
By Jack Simone
The Indiana Pacers have outperformed expectations this season, highlighted by an impressive run to the finals of the In-Season Tournament, where they unfortunately lost to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Tyrese Haliburton has been a revelation, breaking out and having the best season of his career. He looks like one of the best guards in the league, and he has the Pacers’ offense cooking.
However, the Pacers’ defense is another story. They’ve been one of the worst teams in the league on that end of the court, and it could lead to them seeking help at the trade deadline.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Pacers are one of three teams that could potentially target Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby in a trade this year, with the other two being the Atlanta Hawks and Sacramento Kings.
“Teams such as the Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, and Indiana Pacers are expected suitors for Siakam or Anunoby but believe Siakam appears to be the likelier player to be dealt, league sources tell The Athletic,” Charania wrote.
The Pacers have shown interest in both players in the past, with the most notable report coming around the time of the 2023 NBA Draft, as they were reportedly interested in trading the eighth pick for Anunoby.
Anunoby has been having a solid season for the Raptors this year. He’s averaging 15.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists while shooting 48.4% from the field and 39.4% from behind the three-point line.
As for Siakam, he’s averaging 21.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 5.0 assists while shooting 50.4% from the floor and 25.3% from beyond the three-point arc.
The Kings made the playoffs first the first time in years last season and will be looking to repeat that same success this year. With the matching salaries they have on the roster and available draft capital, it’s easy to see a world where they put together a quality trade package.
Meanwhile, the Hawks could be looking to switch up the roster around Trae Young and Dejounte Murray, as they’ve been struggling as of late. They are a bit light on tradable draft capital, but they have some intriguing pieces on the roster.
That said, they reportedly spoke with the Raptors about a Siakam trade this offseason, but Toronto ended up declining their offer, one that included De’Andre Hunter, AJ Griffin, and picks.
Next. 5 Players Pacers should immediately look to trade for on Dec 15. 5 Players Pacers should immediately look to trade for on Dec 15. dark
Indiana has plenty of time to formulate an offer for Siakam or Anunoby, should they get in on the action, as the trade deadline isn’t until February 8, but they won’t be the only team bidding.