Pacers reportedly in serious talks about Pascal Siakam trade

Mar 3, 2020; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (43) against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Raptors traded OG Anunoby two and a half weeks ago, which made Pascal Siakam the next player on the trade block. And it sounds like things are heating up on the Siakam trade front.

The Athletic reported on Tuesday that the Raptors’ trade talks with the Indiana Pacers have “gained steam in recent days.” The two sides are said to be far along in their trade talks.

Indiana reportedly would sent Toronto Bruce Brown Jr., other players, and three future first-round draft picks in a deal for Siakam.

Siakam is in the final season of the 4-year contract he signed in 2019 and set to become a free agent after the season. Teams that are interested in trading for him want to be sure that the two-time All-Star would be willing to sign a contract extension with them before trading valuable resources to get him. The Sacramento Kings reportedly pulled out of trade talks for Siakam because they did not think he would sign with them long term.

The report from The Athletic matches what we published on Monday. Marc Stein had also reported that the Pacers were emerging as a frontrunner for Siakam.

Siakam is a two-time All-Star. The 29-year-old forward is on pace to record his fifth straight year averaging over 20 points per game. In 39 games this season, the Raptors star has averaged 22.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per contest.