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In a move that will have ramifications across the trade market, the Indiana Pacers are acquiring Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors. The Pacers are sending Bruce Brown, Jordan Nwora, and three first round picks, according to Adrian Wojnarowski, who broke the news of the trade.
Indiana is sending two 2024 first-rounders and a 2026 first to the Raptors, sources said. New Orleans sends a second-round pick to Indiana. https://t.co/xxaMY5dETc
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 17, 2024
Siakam was a target of the Sacramento Kings at one point, but Toronto’s asking price was too high and the Kings removed themselves from negotiations. Seeing the price Indiana paid, it’s easy to understand why the Kings backed away.
The Pacers are taking on a big gamble with Siakam, who has refused to give any teams assurances that he will re-sign this summer. The Pacers are taking the risk, presumably knowing they’ll need to offer a max contract this summer. It’s a move that makes sense for Indiana, who have never been a free agent destination (much like Sacramento).
This move may end up helping the Kings as the February 8th trade deadline approaches. The Pacers were linked to most of the same players as Sacramento, with both teams seeking an impact forward. The Pacers landing Siakam presumably removes them from pursuit of Jerami Grant, Kyle Kuzma, or any of the other oft-mentioned Kings trade targets.
The move is also beneficial for the Kings as Siakam going to Indiana means Siakam isn’t going to the Dallas Mavericks, who had also been rumored to be interested. I’d much prefer to see a player of Siakam’s caliber remain in the Eastern Conference.
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