The Toronto Raptors have announced that All-Star Pascal Siakam has been dealt to the Indiana Pacers.
The Raptors announced in a press statement on Wednesday night that they had received Jordan Nwora, Bruce Brown, and Kira Lewis Jr. from Indiana in exchange for Siakam.
The group also said that it acquired three first-round selections.
Pascal Siakam, a forward for the Toronto Raptors, is benched during the first half of the Friday, January 12, 2024, NBA basketball game in Salt Lake City versus the Utah Jazz. (Photo by Rick Bowmer/AP)
In a statement, Raptors President Masai Ujiri said, “This is a time of change for our team.”
“We continue the work of getting better every day and continue moving forward in our quest to win here in Toronto.”
Ujiri spoke to Siakam as “a champion” and “an integral part of winning teams,” citing his accomplishments as proof of what is possible when one is committed, persistent, hardworking, and persistent.
“We consider ourselves fortunate to have witnessed Pascal grow into the man and player he has become, and we are appreciative of all he has done for our community and our team. We send him our best wishes,” Ujiri stated in a press release.
Siakam joined the Raptors in 2016, and he has played for them his whole NBA career.
The Cameroonian forward was selected as an NBA All-Star twice, in 2020 and 2023, and he had a significant role in the Raptors’ 2019 championship victory.
During his tenure in Toronto, Siakam averaged 17.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game.
At the conclusion of the season, the 29-year-old was scheduled to become a free agent.
The transaction on Wednesday was probably influenced by Siakam’s expiring contract, according to Jay Rosales, co-host of the That’s A Rap podcast.
“[President] Masai Ujiri and [General Manager] Bobby Webster were under pressure to act because of what happened with Fred Vanvleet leaving [Toronto] in free agency for nothing,” Rosales told CP24. “And I believe the writing was on the wall when the two sides could not come to an agreement on a contract extension.”
Mayor Olivia Chow wished Siakam success on X, the former Twitter platform.
“Pascal Siakam, your contribution to the Raptors and our 2019 championship means you’ll always have a special place in our city’s heart,” Chow stated.
The team’s second major acquisition in as many months is Siakam.
RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley from Mississauga, and OG Anunoby and Precious Achiuwa were traded by the Raptors to the New York Knicks in December.
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