Toronto’s Pascal Siakam was one of the most sought-after players for free agency in the NBA. The Raptors have been searching for the right trade package for the two-time All-Star for weeks now. However, one Eastern Conference team has now emerged as a favorite for the former Player of the Year title. The Indiana Pacers are now in the driver’s seat to trade Pascal Siakam, even as reports of the Atlanta Hawks’ interest in him have been circulating for weeks. Siakam may be entering the final year of his contract, but he could still be a valuable piece in the right environment, especially with the tournament experience he has on his resume.
Indiana Pacers shows great interest in Pascal Siakam
Pascal Siakam career figures
Pascal Siakam has already made a pretty decent career for himself. One could even argue that he just got into his head. If so, that’s pretty impressive considering he’s already won an NBA title, Player of the Year honors, and made two All-Star teams at the helm of two NBA teams. For Siakam’s career, he averaged 17.0 points, 3.5 assists, 6.5 rebounds, and nearly a steal per game. Not to mention, Siakam has a career field goal percentage of 48.7 percent.
He also has an Offensive Career Rating of 114 and a Defensive Career Rating of 109. As if that weren’t enough, his Power Offensive Player Efficiency Rating has increased steadily each season as last year’s rating was 20.3. With all of this in mind, it makes sense that Pascal Siakam would gain a lot of commercial interest, especially from Indiana who themselves have had a great off-season.
Does it fit Pacers?
If the Pacers can swing a pack where they can keep Miles Turner, this potential trade could be a steal. Being able to pair Pascal Siakam with Myles Turner in the frontcourt would be a huge advantage. Siakam can thrive with a stretch of four while letting Turner roam the paint. Also, this fit will work since paint won’t clog due to Siakam’s ability to stretch the defense at times.
The Pacers have made subtle, but clever moves this season, and they could be a sleeper spot in the Eastern Conference next season. They signed Bruce Brown, who would come off an impressive tournament, to a two-year deal and also traded Obi Tobin from the New York Knicks. If the Pacers can trade for Pascal Siakam, he would certainly put the team on the map as a legitimate playoff contender next season.