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Pacers finalize deal to acquire All-Star forward from Raptors
In the 2024 NBA Draft, Indiana's pick and the pick originally obtained from the Thunder which will be the lowest pick among the Jazz, Rockets, and Thunder, will be two of the three first-round selections obtained from the Raptors. The 2026 pick of Indiana is the other first-round pick. The Athletic reports that the 2026 choice is top-four protected.
The whole story is as follows:
1. Pascal Siakam, a second-round pick in 2024, is acquired by the Pacers (via Pelicans)
2. Bruce Brown, Kira Lewis Jr., Jordan Nwora, and the Pacers gain first-round picks in 2024 (via Pacers), 2024 (via Pacers, less picks from Jazz, Clippers, Rockets, and Thunder), and 2026 (via Pacers, protected 1-4)
3. Pelicans are given: Monetary benefits
According to ESPN, Siakam, an upcoming free agent, is "expected to be eager" to sign a long-term contract this summer to remain in Indiana.
"I'm thrilled that Pascal will have an excellent opportunity with the Pacers, where he will be coached by the great Rick Carlisle and teamed with Tyrese Halliburton and Myles Turner." Andscape was informed by Siakam's representative Todd Ramasar that "his future there looks bright."
Siakam was allegedly considered for acquisition by a number of other teams, including the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors. There seemed to have been discussions between the Raptors and the Sacramento Kings at one point, but those discussions ended. Keegan Murray, a forward in his second year, was reportedly rejected by Sacramento from any trade for Siakam. Siakam had unique negotiating power in these trade negotiations because of his summer free agency date. Refusing to discuss an extension could frighten off teams he was not interested in.
With a record of 23-17 and the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference, Indiana was in a good position to make the big addition. In addition to owning all of their own first-round selections and an additional 2024 first-round pick from the Thunder, the Pacers—who average an NBA-best 125.6 points per game—are also in a position to generate maximum salary space this offseason. They were able to use that as some negotiation leverage against the Raptors.
Siakam, 29, is averaging 22.2 factors, 6.3 rebounds and four.9 assists in step with recreation this season. This is his eighth season inside the NBA all of which came with the Raptors, who drafted him twenty seventh basic in 2016. Siakam has made two all-megastar groups, all-NBA groups and helped Toronto win its first NBA title in 2019.
The raptors already made a big change this season via sending OG Anunoby to the big apple knicks in a deal that landed them RJ Barrett and Immanuel quickly. Barrett quickly matched seamlessly in Toronto, and now, the raptors dealt another key veteran to continue their push to make the roster younger round center piece ahead Scottie Barnes.
Indiana isn't recognized to be specially aggressive in pursuing veteran skills, however the emergence of Lyrese Haliburton as a legitimate MVP candidate has changed their roster-building calculus. The right enhancements ought to turn the pacers into championship contenders in the close to future.