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Pacers Finalizing Blockbuster Trade To Acquire Pascal Siakam

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Kenneth Teape | Last updated 1/17/24

The Indiana Pacers have been one of the most surprising teams in the NBA during the 2023-24 regular season. When healthy, they have shown they can hang in the Eastern Conference and were pushing for one of the spots outside of the NBA Play-In Tournament.

Looking to capitalize on that early success, the Pacers are finalizing a deal to acquire All-Star and All-NBA power forward Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors. Details about the trade are still trickling in, as the New Orleans Pelicans are going to be involved, making it a three-team deal.

But, the biggest part of the transaction will be Siakam joining the Pacers. To acquire him, Indiana is sending three first-round picks, Bruce Brown and Jordan Nwora to Toronto. Also heading to Toronto is point guard Kira Lewis from the Pelicans.

BREAKING: The Indiana Pacers are finalizing a trade to acquire All-Star F Pascal Siakam in a deal that will send Bruce Brown, Jordan Nwora and three first-round picks to the Toronto Raptors. New Orleans will be a third team in deal, sending Kira Lewis to the Raptors.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 17, 2024

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Pacers will be sending two first-rounders in the 2024 NBA Draft to Toronto along with a 2026 first-rounder. A second-round pick is being sent to Indiana via New Orleans.

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

One of the biggest obstacles for teams to overcome that were negotiating deals with the Raptors for Siakam was that he could enter unrestricted free agency this summer. He has plans to test the market in free agency, but according to Wojnarowski, Indiana is one place he wants to be.

Siakam is reportedly happy about his landing spot with the Pacers and eager to work out a long-term deal with his new team in the offseason. He is going to combine with All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton to provide the Pacers with a strong one-two punch going forward.

Pascal Siakam is excited about the deal to the Pacers and expected to be eager to work out a new contract with the franchise this summer, sources tell ESPN. Siakam can be a free agent in July. https://t.co/gFJGXwHJCU
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 17, 2024

The ceiling of the Pacers has now improved exponentially. They have been on the lookout for an upgrade at power forward and were able to acquire an excellent one in Siakam. Not having to include Benedict Mathurin or rookie Jarace Walker is a huge win for the franchise.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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