The Pascal Siakam trade rumors continue to heat up.
It has been reported that the Raptors and Siakam are on the verge of parting ways.
Siakam is an unrestricted free agent this summer. Therefore, if the Raptors don’t have plans to bring him back they must trade him before the deadline to get something in return for him.
The problem is teams may be reluctant to give up top value for Siakam when he can simply sign with another team in the offseason.
One team that has been heavily linked to Siakam in the past few weeks is the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers could be looking to make a win-now move this season.
According to Marc Stein, the Pacers rank among the league’s most aggressive teams in trade talks for Pascal Siakam.
However, Stein notes that despite their interest the Pacers are unwilling to give up their intriguing young talents:
“It’s believed that the Pacers, while undeniably active, are reluctant to part with two of their most promising (and pursued) players if they can avoid it: Bennedict Mathurin and rookie Jarace Walker.”
Pacers are reluctant to part with Bennedict Mathurin and rookie Jarace Walker in any trade ; per @TheSteinLine
“Indiana ranks among the league’s most aggressive teams in trade talks…Yet it’s believed that the Pacers, while undeniably active, are reluctant to part with two of… pic.twitter.com/KlfBJXEPUI
— BASKETBALL ON 𝕏 (@BasketballOnX) January 15, 2024
That where the complications lie. The Raptors want young players with star upside in return for Siakam. However, the Pacers don’t want to and don’t necessarily need to give up their young assets for Siakam since he will become a free agent anyway.
What will happen with Siakam?
It seems clear that the Raptors are ready to move on from Siakam. It’s now about finding the right deal for him.
With the trade deadline looming, the Raptors are hoping teams like the Pacers budge with their offer or else Toronto may be forced to take less for Siakam.
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