The trade talk and speculation has come to an end, as the Toronto Raptors will reportedly be sending Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
BREAKING: The Indiana Pacers are finalizing a trade to acquire All-Star F Pascal Siakam in a deal that will send Bruce Brown, Jordan Nwora and three first-round picks to the Toronto Raptors. New Orleans will be a third team in deal, sending Kira Lewis to the Raptors.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 17, 2024
Indiana is sending two 2024 first-rounders and a 2026 first to the Raptors, sources said. New Orleans sends a second-round pick to Indiana. https://t.co/xxaMY5dETc
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 17, 2024
The 2024 first-round picks will be Indiana’s own and the worst of Utah/Houston/Clippers/OKC, per sources. https://t.co/OUIFUkjgTP
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 17, 2024
News had picked up considerably in the hours leading up to the move about how the Pacers were working feverishly to make a trade happen with Toronto. Indiana had possessed the second-best betting odds as far as what Siakam's next team would be beyond the 29-year-old forward simply staying put north of the border.
Pascal Siakam's Team after Trade Deadline (As of Jan. 16)
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Toronto Raptors | +160 |
| Indiana Pacers | +500 |
| Dallas Mavericks | +550 |
| Golden State Warriors | +600 |
| Atlanta Hawks | +850 |
| Sacramento Kings | +850 |
Siakam is still set to enter unrestricted free agency this summer, yet Indiana now holds his bird rights, and there at least appears to be mutual interest in maintaining a working relationship for years to come.
Pascal Siakam is excited about the deal to the Pacers and expected to be eager to work out a new contract with the franchise this summer, sources tell ESPN. Siakam can be a free agent in July. https://t.co/gFJGXwHJCU
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 17, 2024
Oddsmakers believe this move will improve the Pacers' chances in the race to hoist the Larry O'Brien trophy, if ever so slightly. Indiana's odds improved from +7500 to +6000 after the news broke of the trade.
