The NBA trade deadline for 2023–24 is getting closer, and teams are starting to get busy in preparation for it on February 8. The Toronto Raptors and Indiana Pacers are two of those teams. Rumors have been circulating for the past several weeks regarding the two teams working together to get Pascal Siakam.
Siakam is easily accessible as the Raptors try to further restructure their squad. The Pacers have shifted to Siakam after making an attempt to acquire OG Anunoby from Toronto before his trade to the New York Knicks.
The Pacers and Raptors have reportedly had substantial talks regarding Siakam this week, according to a league source.
While no Siakam trade will be inexpensive, the Pacers will have a powerful negotiating advantage. Siakam is expected to enter the 2019 offseason as a free agent. Indiana just has to play patiently and bide their time until the Raptors accept their offer.
The source claims that Indiana has not yet considered Bennedict Mathurin in any trade scenarios. It seems that the Pacers see him as untouchable. Though it’s doubtful that he would be included in a trade for Siakam in the last year of his deal, that might change.
Isaiah Jackson and Andrew Nembhard are the Indiana team members most closely associated with these discussions. They might use draft capital from Indiana in a deal. The Raptors are currently pressing for the inclusion of Jarace Walker in the package.
The two sides are actively communicating with one another, even if they have by no means reached an agreement on a contract. Tyrese Haliburton and Siakam would be a great addition for the Pacers. Though it’s possible they’ll just hold out until the offseason to use their cap space to sign a backup star, Pascal Siakam might be in Indiana by the trade deadline if Toronto is ready to take a little less now.
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