NBA Trade Rumors: Pacers Close In on Raptors’ Pascal Siakam With Bruce Brown Jr, and Few 1st Round Picks

The Pascal Siakam trade might soon become a reality. The Toronto Raptors have been discussing trade offers with several teams to get the best exchange offer for their superstar. The Indiana Pacers have been the frontrunners among the potential teams looking to acquire the 2-time All-Star.

According to the latest reports, the Pacers might be closing in on a deal that will see Pascal Siakam heading to Indiana. But the trade might cost Indiana their young guard Bruce Brown Jr. and three first-round draft picks. The two teams have been in constant talks regarding the trade and have made several back-and-forth offers to come to an agreeable deal. However, the deal is yet to be finalized and might get inked before the February 8 trade deadline.

The Sacramento Kings were also interested in acquiring Siakam but backed out in recent weeks. The reason could have been the 2-time All-Star’s unwillingness to re-sign with the Kings when his contract expires at the end of this season.

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Siakam is in the final year of his 4-year $136.9 million contract. He still has nearly $39 million left on his deal, giving him the leverage to pick his desired destination. Teams might not trade for him if he does not want to re-sign with them next summer. That will cost teams a lot of assets for a player who does not want to stay with the franchise long-term. However, Indiana might be a perfect destination for the Raptors superstar.

How will the Pacers-Raptors trade pan out?

If the Indiana Pacers and the Toronto Raptors agree on the trade, it will cause a huge shift in both teams. The Raptors will have 3 future first-round draft picks to facilitate their rebuilding process. They will also add a talented young guard, Bruce Brown Jr., to their roster.

Brown is a great role player who proved his mettle in the playoffs last season. He was a key contributor to the Denver Nuggets’ success last year and helped them win their first Championship in franchise history. Brown averaged 12 points and 4 rebounds in the 2023 playoffs. Even in Indiana, Brown is averaging 12.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3 assists. The 27-year-old has great potential, and the Raptors can build on it or use it in another big trade later.

The Pacers, on the other hand, will gain a young superstar in Pascal Siakam. He can use his Championship experience to guide the Pacers in the playoffs. Siakam can also take some load off Tyrese Haliburton’s shoulders. Siakam and Haliburton could be the next lethal duo that helps the Pacers elevate to the next level.

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