The Toronto Raptors have officially announced that they have traded Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers.
The Raptors have acquired guard-forward Bruce Brown, guard Kira Lewis Jr., forward Jordan Nwora and three first round draft picks from the Indiana Pacers.
In a corresponding move, the Raptors have also waived centre Christian Koloko:
The Raptors have waived center Christian Koloko to complete the Pascal Siakam trade with Indiana. pic.twitter.com/ZLVJvJ5mTQ
— Kayla Grey (@Kayla_Grey) January 18, 2024
Koloko was the Raptors 2022 second-round pick. He had not played for the team this season while dealing with respiratory issues. He averaged 3.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, 0.5 assists and 1.0 blocks in 58 games for Toronto last year.
According to Blake Murphy, Koloko will get his salary paid out. Toronto will lose his non-guaranteed pseudo-team option for next year,
There is a chance that Koloko could be brought in for Raptors 905 and or re-signed in the summer, per Murphy.
It is the end of an era and a start of a new one for Toronto after making this trade.
Brown is averaging a career-high 12.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.1 steals and 29.7 minutes in 33 games (all starts) this season. Brown won a championship with the Denver Nuggets last season:
Welcome to the team, Bruce pic.twitter.com/H6u9hTsDSJ
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) January 18, 2024
Nwora is averaging 5.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 10.2 minutes in 18 games this season. He should see more of an opportunity with this rebuilding Raptors team:
Welcome to the North, Jordan pic.twitter.com/lxlZeL2za8
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) January 18, 2024
Lewis was acquired by the Pacers from the New Orleans Pelicans before being traded to Toronto. He is averaging 2.9 points, 1.2 assists and 9.6 minutes in 15 games this season:
Welcome to the family, Kira pic.twitter.com/uS5ZWRv4Wa
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) January 18, 2024
Toronto has three first-round picks from Indiana as well. Two in this upcoming 2024 NBA Draft and one in the 2026 NBA Draft.
The first 2024 first-round pick is via the Pacers, the second 2024 first-round pick is the lesser of picks from Jazz/Clippers/Rockets/Thunder and the third 2026 first-round pick is via the Pacers (protected 1-4).
New era for the Raptors
Ujiri and the Raptors have officially ushered in a new era. The team is committed to rebuilding around Scottie Barnes for the foreseeable future.
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