The Indiana Pacers made the first blockbuster deal of the NBA trade season on Wednesday, acquiring two-time All-Star Pascal Siakam.
The trade pairs Siakam with fellow All-Star Tyrese Haliburton, creating one of the most promising duos in the Eastern Conference and boosting Indiana's playoff hopes.
While this deal certainly helps their chances of climbing out of the East or winning an NBA title, the Pacers are still far from the class of the league.
Indiana's odds to win the NBA title this season have skyrocketed, cutting in half from +10,000 last week to +5,000 after the trade at BetMGM Sportsbook, but they're never quite among the top contenders.
These championship odds rank them 14th-best on BetMGM's board, tied with the Golden State Warriors and New Orleans Pelicans.
The Pacers are still behind teams like the New York Knicks and Sacramento Kings. Both teams are +4,000 points away from winning the Larry O'Brien Trophy and are hardly considered favorites.
In the East, Indiana is also not expected to be a big factor.
Although their winning percentage from +3,000 to +2,000 since adding Siakam to the conference championship, the Pacers still have the 6th best chance to reach the NBA Finals behind the Celtics, Bucks, 76ers, Heat, and Knicks. It's just an opportunity.
Heading into Wednesday's game, the Pacers are tied with the Knicks at 23-17 for the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference.
This trade may have more to do with the young Pacers core, although oddsmakers aren't giving them much of a chance this season.
Siakam, 29, is averaging 22.2 points, 52.2 percent shooting, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game this season, and although he will be a free agent after this season, he said he would like to sign a new contract. There is.The team after this season, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Would you like to bet on the NBA?
Siakam, an athletic 6-8, 230-pounder, is widely considered one of the best all-around defenders in the NBA and is a welcome addition to an Indiana team that has a strong offense but lacks defense. This is a necessary addition.
Siakam emerged as an All-Star in the 2018-19 season, winning the Most Valuable Player Award and helping the Raptors win their first NBA championship in franchise history.
But luring a player of Siakam's caliber to Indianapolis instead of a fancier NBA city is difficult.
This trade may not help the Pacers' title chances this season, but there are few additions better than Spicy P to build a team for the future.
