The Indiana Pacers have set a new standard in the market for teams pursuing Pascal Siakam. Shams Charania of The Athletic has revealed that the Pacers and Raptors are close to agreeing on a trade for Siakam, with a heavy package headed to Toronto featuring Bruce Brown and potentially three first-round picks.
"The Raptors and Pacers are actively engaged in trade talks centered around two-time All-Star forward Pascal Siakam that would send him to Indiana for a package that includes Bruce Brown Jr., other salaries, and three first-round draft picks."
The Raptors failed to move Siakam to the Sacramento Kings last week after Siakam refused to agree to a contract extension, saying he would test free agent regardless. If the Pacers are willing to send such a hefty package to the Raptors, they should have some assurances on Siakam's future. The Warriors and Mavericks have also been known to be interested in acquiring Siakam.
Siakam is averaging 22.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists this season, possibly vaulting the Pacers into contending for a top-four seed with Tyrese Haliburton and Siakam.
Pascal Siakam Wants To Test Free Agency
Recent reports say that Siakam is headstrong in his belief that he will enter free agency in the summer and see what the market brings for him. Currently, Siakam may be the only All-NBA caliber talent available on the market with Kawhi Leonard re-signing while James Harden and Paul George are also expected to re-sign, leaving Siakam as the major prize on the market.
Matt Moore of the Action Network claims Siakam will not commit to any team without testing out free agency.
“He will not give a verbal commitment whatsoever… with the Pacers, the Hawks, the Kings, the Warriors, or any other team that trades for him. He wants to test out free agency.”
If the Pacers end up giving up the reported package, it'll be interesting to see if they can retain Siakam in free agency. The Detroit Pistons could make a run at Siakam and offer him a max contract, but the Pacers will like their chances of having Siakam accept a max from them as a competitive team in the East as compared to the dreadful Pistons.
This deal likely also sees Buddy Hield be sent to Toronto as a matching salary along with Bruce Brown. Brown signed with the Pacers in the summer and has averaged 12.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists this season. Hield is having a poor shooting year, averaging 12.7 points on 38.0% shooting. These two with three picks could be an overpay but if the Pacers think they can hold on to Siakam in the summer, this will be worth it.
With Haliburton currently injured, Siakam can come in and help steady the ship for the streaky team before forming a pretty lethal offensive duo.
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