Pascal Siakam traded to Eastern Conference contender

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 one of their top players when they sent OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks last month, and they are now moving on from Pascal Siakam as well.

The Raptors have agreed to trade Siakam to the Indiana Pacers as part of a three-team deal, according to multiple reports. Toronto will get Bruce Brown Jr., Jordan Nwora and three first-round picks. The New Orleans Pelicans are the third team involved in the trade.

Indiana is sending two 2024 first-rounders and a 2026 first to the Raptors, sources said. New Orleans sends a second-round pick to Indiana. https://t.co/xxaMY5dETc

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 17, 2024

There have been reports for several days that the Pacers were nearing a trade for Siakam. Talks heated up on Tuesday after Indiana emerged as the front-runner earlier in the week.

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. One thing that interested teams wanted to be certain of is that the two-time All-Star would be willing to sign a contract extension with them before they gave up assets to acquire him. At least one team reportedly pulled out of trade talks for Siakam because they did not think he would sign with them long term.

The 29-year-old Siakam 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.

The Pacers entered Wednesday in 6th place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 23-17. Tyrese Haliburton has been sidelined with an injury, but Indiana will now have a much better starting five when he returns than they did before he got hurt.