The Indiana Pacers and Toronto Raptors are in advanced discussions regarding a trade involving Pascal Siakam, a two-time NBA All-Star forward.
According to Shams Charania and Sam Amick of The Athletic, the proposed trade would involve Siakam being traded to the Pacers in exchange for Bruce Brown Jr., additional salaries, and three first-round draft picks.
These talks are part of the Raptors’ broader strategy, as they have been exploring various trade options for Siakam with multiple teams. However, their negotiations with the Pacers have intensified lately. Although the two teams have exchanged numerous proposals and are considerably advanced in their discussions, they have not yet reached a final agreement.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors, Indiana Pacers Updates
The Pacers are focused on acquiring Siakam, although the Raptors’ stance is not as clear now. Other teams, including the Sacramento Kings, had shown interest in Siakam, but the Kings recently withdrew from the negotiations. Siakam is reportedly not keen on signing with the Kings, which complicates any potential deal with them. The Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks have also shown some preliminary interest.
Siakam’s current $38 million contract is in its final year. This puts him in a position of some influence regarding his next team, as any team trading for him would likely want assurance of his willingness to re-sign, especially considering the significant assets they would have to give up in the trade.
Should the Raptors decide not to trade Siakam before the February 8 deadline, they might consider extending his contract as an alternative, allowing them to reevaluate their options in the summer. However, negotiations for an extension haven’t progressed much, with Siakam seeking a max-salary deal.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors, Indiana Pacers Updates
Bruce Brown Jr., the highest-paid player on the Pacers this season with a salary of $22 million, also has a team option for the next season at $23 million. His contract is viewed as a prime salary-matching mechanism since the acquiring team can use it to open spending room this summer.
