The Toronto Raptors have made a significant move by trading All-Star Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers, as reported by multiple media outlets. In exchange for Siakam, the Raptors will acquire Bruce Brown and Jordan Nwora, along with three first-round draft picks. The New Orleans Pelicans are also said to be part of the deal, sending Kira Lewis to the Raptors.
Siakam, a crucial figure in the Raptors’ 2019 NBA championship victory, has been with the team since 2016. The Cameroonian forward earned NBA All-Star honors in 2020 and 2023 and played a pivotal role in the Raptors’ success during his tenure. Siakam’s contributions included averaging 17.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game.
The 29-year-old, with an expiring contract, was set to become a free agent at the end of the season. Jay Rosales, co-host of the That’s A Rap podcast, suggested that Siakam’s contract situation likely influenced the trade, especially given the pressure on Raptors’ management following Fred Vanvleet’s departure in free agency.
“With Fred Vanvleet leaving [Toronto] in free agency for nothing, the pressure was on [President] Masaia Ujiri and [General Manager] Bobby Webster to do something,” explained Rosales. “And when the two sides could not meet on a contract extension, I think the writing was on the wall.”
This trade marks the Raptors’ second major move in recent months. In December, they traded OG Anunoby and Precious Achiuwa to the New York Knicks in exchange for RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, further reshaping the team’s roster.