The Toronto Raptors appeared ready to trade Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday Night despite the final parameters of the package not being known just yet. The deal finally went down next afternoon, and it was quite a mind-blowing haul for a team that wants to rebuild.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Raptors are trading Siakam to the Pacers for a package centered around veteran guard Bruce Brown and wing Jordan Nwora. The New Orleans Pelicans got involved as a third team in the deal, trading point guard Kira Lewis to Toronto.
The Pacers are trading two first round picks in 2024 (their own choice at No. 18 overall and a pick that originally belonged to Oklahoma City at No. 27) as well as a first-round pick in 2026. The Siakam era comes to a close in a deal that fully sends Toronto into rebuilding mode.
Toronto Raptors trade Pascal Siakam to Pacers for Bruce Brown, Kira Lewis, Jordan Nwora.
Siakam is averaging 22.2 points per game this season on solid efficiency, furthering his status as one of the best power forwards in the game and a player that could end up in the All-Star Game this season. The Pacers should thrive with him next to Tyrese Haliburton in Indiana.
Jakob Poeltl misses Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby after Toronto Raptors trades.
Poeltl’s trade might have been a bit rich for him, but he can provide immense value as a finisher, rebounder, passer, and shot-blocker who makes things click on both sides of the ball at his best. His contract is expensive, but his value has already been proven.
The Raptors haven’t looked the same on either side of the ball since Poeltl’s injury, as they have no height on the inside to stop teams from driving to the basket. On offense, his presence as a screener and passer is needed. Jontay Porter has been trying, but he doesn’t have the skills needed to replicate Poeltl.
Poeltl might be in for another tough 2024-25 season, as the only way for the Raptors to contend for a postseason spot next season is either Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, or Immanuel Quickley taking such a gigantic leap that all expectations of a down year will fade away almost immediately.
Poeltl will likely play a big part in Toronto’s turnaround, as he is such a reliable player that it would be very difficult to find someone who can replace him on a budget. Losing Siakam and Anunoby still must hurt, especially when he signed thinking they would stick around.
