The Indiana Pacers have acquired forward Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Bruce Brown, Jordan Nwora and three first-round picks (2 in 2024, 2026)
“We’re incredibly excited to welcome Pascal to Indiana,” President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard said in a statement. “As a two-time All-NBA selection and two-time NBA All-Star, Pascal is a player that our organization has long admired and respected.”
Siakam, an All-Star in 2019, helped lead the Toronto Raptors to the NBA championship that same season and is considered a premier two-way player in the league. Currently, Siakam is averaging 22.2 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game this season, per ESPN.
“I am excited for the journey, I am excited to be a Pacer,” Siakam said in a video to fans after arriving in Indianapolis.
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The Pacers hope Siakam can help them make a deep playoff run this season. They host a record of 24-17, which is good enough for the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference.
“We feel that his unique offensive skillset will complement our style of play, while his defensive versatility will be a valuable asset to our team,” Pritchard said.
In addition to Siakam, the Pacers acquired Kira Lewis Jr. from the New Orleans Pelicans. Lewis, the 13th overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft, is considered a promising young point guard. He is averaging 2.9 points and 1.8 assists per game this season, per Basketball Reference.
Many fans believe the trade is a significant gamble for the Pacers, as they are giving up three first-round picks and two promising young players in Bruce Brown and Jordan Nwora.
“I think the main thing he [Pascal Siakam] brings is a veteran presence,” basketball fan and Indianapolis resident Drew Stephany said. “But I am not completely sold on the idea of him being our problem solver.”
Despite this, Siakam is a proven star who, alongside Haliburton, Toppin, Turner and Mathurin, could help take the team to the next level.
“If it is one thing I am known for, it is working hard and giving it everything I’ve got to try and get some wins,” Siakam said.
Siakam plans to wear 43 for the Indiana Pacers as he did during his tenure in Toronto.
Contact multimedia staff writer Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on Twitter @3Noral.
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