The Toronto Raptors are letting teams know they are selling ahead of the 2024 NBA trade deadline. After years of trade rumours, OG Anunoby was finally dealt to the New York Knicks last week. Pascal Siakam will likely be next, and the Indiana Pacers are reportedly among the teams interested in acquiring the 29-year-old forward.
How the Indiana Pacers Can Land Pascal Siakam
The Pacers’ interest in Siakam has been high since the summer, and there is reason to believe that they will pursue him now that it’s clear that Toronto is setting up shop. Here is a blockbuster deal that could be made to land Siakam in Indianapolis and what it would mean for both the Pacers and the Raptors.
Indiana Pacers acquire: Pascal Siakam and Jakob Poeltl (*Poeltl cannot be traded until January 15)
Toronto Raptors acquire: Myles Turner, Buddy Hield, Jarace Walker, and ‘24 1st round pick (least favorable between Rockets, Clippers, Thunder, and Jazz)
Pascal Siakam
This trade sees Siakam arrive in Indianapolis with his fellow frontcourt Raptor, Poeltl. Poeltl has long been one of the most undervalued bigs in the league and is averaging a solid 10.4 points and 8.3 rebounds per game this season. Although Poeltl would be a downgrade from the outgoing Turner, he is only a year older and has had a better defensive rating than Turner this season.
Siakam immediately eases the burden on Tyrese Haliburton thanks to his ability to score and rebound. The former New Mexico State star is averaging 22.4 points and will significantly boost the Pacer’s already formidable offense.
Head coach Rick Carlisle has to tweak his game plan to adjust to Siakam’s strengths and counter the losses of three-point threats Hield and Turner. While he’s a somewhat respectable 32.4% career three-point shooter, Siakam is shooting an abysmal 28.8% from deep this season. Given that Siakam will likely share the floor with Poeltl and Bruce Brown, Indiana’s lack of spacing certainly becomes an area of concern.
Myles Turner
In Toronto’s case, Turner is exactly what they would. He is a floor-spacing big who would work well in conjunction with the open-court talent of the emerging Scottie Barnes. Turner is averaging 17.5 points and is connecting on 35.7% of his four three-point attempts per game. In his last 10 games, Turner has elevated his three-point shooting to an astounding 47.1%.
Buddy Hield
Hield is one of the league’s premier three-point threats. He aids the Raptors in that department if they choose to keep him. Since Toronto wouldn’t be over the cap after this trade, Hield would also remain eligible to be traded again, perhaps to a contending team needing shooting. Having won the 2020 NBA Three-point Contest, Hield is a career 40% shooter from behind the arc.
Jarace Walker
Walker is an intriguing prospect who has struggled to find time on the court this season under Carlisle. Indiana simply has too many role players for him to find a featured role this season, as Obi Toppin’s resurrection has played a significant role in keeping Walker off the floor. Isaiah Jackson and Jalen Smith also round out the frontcourt competition that Walker would have to usurp. A move to Canada suits the eighth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. He fits in with Toronto’s timeline and competes in a much less crowded frontcourt.
Will Siakam Stay After This Season?
Would Siakam re-sign with the Pacers, given that his contract is up after this season? Considering that Indiana would be parting ways with notable pieces, they would need some assurances on Siakam’s end to pull the trigger on this deal. The Pacers can also opt to pursue Siakam in free agency. However, that is quite the gamble, considering Indianapolis has never been a premier free-agent destination in the NBA.
The Pacers’ point production almost certainly declines with the loss of Turner and Hield, but they can add a second superstar to aid Haliburton. This trade solidifies the Pacers as a second-tier Eastern Conference team and a lock to make the playoffs.
