Two-time all-star Pascal Siakam is traded by the Toronto Raptors to the Indiana Pacers.
TORONTO: The Toronto Raptors’ era of championships is officially finished. In a sensational trade on Wednesday, Pascal Siakam, a two-time all-star and one of the final links to Toronto’s NBA championship squad from 2019, was sent to the Indiana Pacers.
Pascal Siakam (43), of the Toronto Raptors, drives against Max Strus of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half of NBA basketball on Monday, January 1, 2024, in Toronto. On Wednesday, the Raptors traded Siakam to the Indiana Pacers. PRESS OF THE CANADA/Chris Young
TORONTO: The Toronto Raptors’ era of championships is officially finished.
In a sensational trade on Wednesday, Pascal Siakam, a two-time all-star and one of the final links to Toronto’s NBA championship squad from 2019, was sent to the Indiana Pacers. In exchange, the Pacers gave the Raptors guard Bruce Brown, forward Jordan Nwora, and three first-round picks. In exchange for the Pelicans receiving a second-round pick from the Pacers, Toronto also acquired guard Kira Lewis from New Orleans.
“Mascai Ujiri, the president of the Raptors, and vice-chairman, described Pascal as a champion, a vital member of winning teams, and an example of what can be achieved with dedication, perseverance, hard work, and tenacity.”
“We consider ourselves fortunate to have witnessed Pascal grow into the man and player he has become, and we are appreciative of all he has done for our community and our team. We hope the best for him.”
Center In retaliation, the Raptors waived Christian Koloko, who had missed the entire season due to a respiratory condition.
Head coach Darko Rajakovic, in his first year, expressed admiration for Siakam’s professionalism and passion for the game.
Rajakovic described Pascal as “just a pure basketball junkie.” “He is the last person to leave the gym and the first to arrive. From the beginning, he was always coachable and showed professionalism.
“I can only be thankful and grateful for all of his contributions to our team this season.”
Siakam had a fantastic individual season in Toronto, averaging 22.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists, despite the Raptors’ miserable 16–25 record. Siakam is in the final year of a US$136.9 million, four-year contract. This season, he will earn $37.8 million.
Guard Gary Trent Jr. remarked of Siakam, “I wish him nothing but the best.” It ought to be very beneficial to him. The player that he is is a high-level player and high-level thinker, regardless of the club he joins.”
One of Toronto’s greatest developmental success stories comes to an end with the trade.
Siakam’s transformation from a little-known prospect and late first-round choice to a legendary player for the Raptors, with two all-star selections, two All-NBA selections, and a key part in the team’s lone title, was made possible by his exceptional work ethic.
“He came here as almost a teenager and left quite a legacy behind him,” stated Rajakovic. “I hope the best for him in the future. We’ll keep in touch, and I hope the best for him.
It’s another significant move for a Raptors club going through transition after a challenging few seasons.
On December 30, Toronto traded guard Immanuel Quickley, forward RJ Barrett, and a second-round selection to the New York Knicks in exchange for veteran wing OG Anunoby, guard Malachi Flynn, and forward Precious Achiuwa.
Nwora, which is pronounced WOR’-uh, is averaging 5.2 points per game this season, while Brown is averaging 12.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and three assists. Lewis averages 1.2 assists and 2.9 points. Nwora’s and Brown’s championship rings are similar.
“This is a time of change for our team, and we welcome Bruce, Jordan and Kira to the Raptors and to Toronto,” Ujiri said. “We are excited about Bruce’s two-way play and extra toughness on the court. He is a world champion.
“We continue the work of getting better every day, and continue moving forward.”
Restocking draft picks was maybe the key to Toronto’s acquisition. The Raptors had no draft selections in this summer’s NBA draft at the beginning of the season. In exchange for the Knicks, they received Indiana’s three selections in the second round as well as Detroit’s pick.
Chris Boucher is the final link to Toronto’s championship team, as Anunoby and Siakam are currently playing for other teams. The forward from Montreal saw little action with the squad that year.
Taking a seat a few spaces away from Siakam’s vacant locker, Boucher stated, “OG was the first one that definitely hurt me a lot.” You keep convincing yourself that it’s probably going to happen with all the conversations and stuff.
I’m aware of Pascal’s abilities. Regardless of the side he plays for, he will be extremely dangerous and successful.”
Trade rumors around Siakam date back to the previous season. This summer, there were speculations that the Atlanta Hawks, Orlando Magic, and Indiana Pacers had interest in signing him.
His exit follows the departure of veteran point guard Fred VanVleet from the Raptors via and the firing of former head coach Nick Nurse in April, which put an end to Toronto’s championship run.
After a 41-41 season in which Toronto missed the postseason for the second time in three years, Ujiri told the media in April that he wanted to alter the Raptors’ culture.
Throughout 71 games, Siakam averaged a career-high and team-best 24.2 points for the Raptors last season. He also contributed 7.8 rebounds and 5.8 assists. At 37.4, he shared the NBA record for most minutes per game with guards Kyrie Irving of Dallas and Brooklyn.
Siakam, who surpassed Chris Bosh to become the fifth-most-played player in team history, inked the agreement two days after playing his 510th game with Toronto.
This season, Rajakovic—who took Nurse’s place during the off-season—has given forward Scottie Barnes greater possession of the ball. With career-highs in points (20.2), rebounds (9.1), and assists (5.6), Barnes, 22, has thrived.
Rajakovic described Siakam as “a great human being who just really deeply cares about basketball and wants to do well in basketball.” Siakam concurred to the modifications to the schematic.However, he is also acutely conscious of his skill as a player.
“He knew how he can help this team and even the different style of play he was open to do the different things that we asked of him.”
The Canadian Press originally released this article on January 17, 2024.
John Chidley-Hill, Newspaper Publisher
