We’ve seen another big trade prior to the trade deadline. The Toronto Raptors have traded 2x All-NBA power forward Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers for Bruce Brown Jr., Jordan Nwora, and 3 first round picks. Both teams are going towards two different directions and it honestly seems like a win-win trade.
Why I like this trade for the Pacers…
From what it looks like initially, Pascal Siakam intends to sign an extension with the Pacers after the season, which would make this trade even more brilliant by the Pacers front office. Nonetheless, they don’t give up any young assets and only two late-firsts this year and a protected first in 2026.
What they get is a true 2nd star next to Haliburton that can score in various ways, be an above-average defender, and also make plays for others as a secondary playmaker out of the post. With the Pacers having shooters all around Siakam, this will only make him better.
Statistically, Siakam has been stellar on the fastbreak and a great player under the rim and within the 3pt line. Which team is second in fastbreak points per game? The Indiana Pacers. Which team is already the best offense in the NBA currently? The Indiana Pacers.
Pascal Siakam is a great fit for the Pacers as the Pacers are a great fit for him.
Why I like this trade for the Raptors…
After getting nothing from Fred VanVleet leaving this past year, the Raptors have decided to change that. They instead have decided to make moves to get at least some sort of assets for their expiring contracts. Pascal Siakam just didn’t fit the timeline for the Toronto Raptors, who are going towards a rebuild and building around Scottie Barnes.
The Toronto Raptors are able to get 3 first round picks for a player they were bound to lose this offseason either way. Not only that, they get Bruce Brown Jr. who they can flip for another first or young asset as well. Either way, the Raptors win getting something instead of nothing in a few months.
