The Indiana Pacers have surprised many thus far this season, finding themselves in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff picture. On Tuesday, reports have emerged that suggest the Pacers could be on their way to making a big move to improve their postseason hopes.
The Toronto Raptors have struggled to begin the year, sitting at 15-25 on the season. They also already traded a big piece this season, sending star forward O.G. Anunoby to the New York Knicks last month.
They may not be done selling valuable pieces before the NBA trade deadline. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, The Raptors and Pacers are in “active talks” on a trade that would see two-time All-Star Pascal Siakam go to the Pacers.
Developing: The Raptors and Pacers are in active talks on a trade centered on two-time All-Star Pascal Siakam for package that includes three first-round picks, league sources say.
Full details at @TheAthletic with @sam_amick: https://t.co/o925VL5r3g
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 17, 2024
The package that the Pacers would reportedly be giving up would be centered around Bruce Brown Jr., other salaries, and three first-round draft picks.
Fans took to social media to offer their opinions on this potential move.
You will be remembered https://t.co/7UGNZJ9B10 pic.twitter.com/WxxXVesYWX
— HF (@PSkilibeng) January 17, 2024
Fact: KP does not lose trades.. https://t.co/fLrI2WTbQg
— Zach Pearson (@zapearsonNBA) January 17, 2024
OHHH MY https://t.co/3JWinZ3OCm
— KENNY BEECHAM (@KOT4Q) January 17, 2024
Of all the teams in the Pascal sweepstakes this is the team I’d like to see him go to most. Indiana could really use a great half court scorer to unlock this offense even more https://t.co/AJqoETBPr7
— Chris Platte (@realchrisplatte) January 17, 2024
Losing Spicy P for 3 picks is worth but I’m gonna miss him and we’re just confirmed bums for the rest of the season https://t.co/zs7oQmErgn pic.twitter.com/WsZJGT6ocZ
— Barento (@razlol) January 17, 2024
For the Raptors, this move would make a ton of sense considering Siakam is in the final year of his contract and could very well be looking to leave Toronto for a better situation in free agency.
As for how this move impacts the Pacers if it does indeed happen, it would completely transcend their offense by adding an impact player alongside the likes of Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner.
It also clearly shows that Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan is fully committed to this team, which is obviously a welcome sight for Pacers fans.