There may still be weeks until the Feb. 8 NBA trade deadline, but that hasn't stopped it yet. toronto raptors They can't be too proactive about overhauling their roster.Just over 2 weeks later Send OG Anunoby to new york knicksToronto is currently reportedly on the verge of releasing Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers.
Shams Charania and Sam Amik The Athletic The Raptors and Pacers are reportedly in “active negotiations” about a deal that would send Siakam, who has been the center of rumors for the past few seasons, to Indiana in exchange for three first-round picks.
Pacers, Charania and Amick report that Bruce Brown Jr. will likely make up the lion's share of the salary, but Indiana still needs about $8 million in salary to make this trade legal. would need to be added (for example, with the addition of TJ McConnell, it would work, but athletic No additional names other than Brown are reported in this article).
What kind of players could the Pacers send?
Charania and Amick's story doesn't mention which first-round picks are involved, but Indiana currently has a potential pick from the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, or Utah Jazz. owns a 2024 first-round pick (this is a very complex exchange and details can be read about here), Not only ourselves Picks in 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, and 2030 mean they have a little extra pick as they continue to grow around rising star Tyrese Haliburton. do.
But even if one of the first players reported is a junk swap, and one or two of the Pacers' own are protected, they could become unrestricted free agents at the end of the season. Siakam remains a hefty price to pay. But Indiana, an unattractive destination and small market, feels that's what they have to do to get a running mate who can help Halliburton win. Maybe.
And while we're obviously in no way suggesting that tampering is happening in the NBA, Siakam's reps at Life Sports Agency are probably saying, Reps Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard) There is some understanding with Indiana regarding Siakam's future if the Pacers are willing to pay such a high price in draft capital to have him for only half a season.
For the Raptors, this deal solidifies a future rebuild around Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley.
Will this deal actually happen?
That's not certain. Earlier this month, Charania reported that the Raptors and Kings were “intensifying trade talks” centered on Siakam, but later the same day, Charania reported that the Kings “withdrew from trade talks for Pascal Siakam.” Siakam has made it clear he won't stay in Sacramento. There's always a chance we'll see a similar leak here, but for now it seems pretty likely that Siakam will be a Pacer soon.
This breaking news story may be updated with more information and analysis as developments continue. For more on the Raptors' take on this move, see Check out the Raptors headquarters.
