The Indiana Pacers have secured the services of All-Star forward Pascal Siakam in a transaction that involves the transfer of Bruce Brown, Jordan Nwora, and three initial-round selections to the Toronto Raptors, as officially disclosed on Wednesday.
In a parallel deal, the New Orleans Pelicans dispatched Kira Lewis Jr. and a second-round pick in 2024 to the Pacers, as stated. Subsequently, the Pacers forwarded Lewis to the Raptors.
Of the initial-round selections heading to the Raptors, two are designated for 2024 — Indiana’s native choice and the inferior pick from among Utah, Houston, LA Clippers, and Oklahoma City — while the third is assigned for 2026 (originating from Indiana), as publicized.
“We’re tremendously thrilled to welcome Pascal to Indiana,” expressed Pacers President Kevin Pritchard in an official statement. “As a double All-NBA nominee and two-time NBA All-Star, Pascal is a player our organization has long held in high regard. We believe his distinctive offensive skill set will harmonize with our playing style, while his defensive adaptability will be a prized asset to our team.”
Siakam, who has dedicated all eight of his NBA seasons to Toronto, presently boasts averages of 22.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists this season. Eager about the transaction, he is anticipated to be enthusiastic about negotiating a new contract with the franchise in the upcoming summer, sources informed ESPN.
Siakam, aged 29, is poised to become a free agent in July, currently earning nearly $38 million this season.
“I’m enthused that Pascal is receiving a premier opportunity with the Pacers, being paired with Tyrese [Haliburton] and Myles [Turner] and coached by the esteemed Rick Carlisle,” conveyed Siakam’s representative, Todd Ramasar, to Andscape.
“His prospects look promising there.”
Presently occupying the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference standings, the Pacers lead the NBA in scoring this season. Siakam will transition from Toronto, the league leader in fast-break points per game, to Indiana, securing the second spot.
The Pacers are slated to face the Raptors thrice more this season, including a pair of encounters in Toronto. The forthcoming meeting is scheduled for Valentine’s Day in Toronto.
Siakam, a two-time All-Star selection in 2020 and 2023, holds a career average of 17.4 points and 6.5 rebounds. He clinched an NBA championship with the Raptors in 2019 and boasts dual All-NBA selections.
On the same Wednesday, the Pacers waived veteran forward James Johnson, who had participated in five games since joining in mid-December.
Brown, aged 27, is set to represent his fourth team in the past three seasons, following tenures with the Pacers, Nuggets, and Nets, registering a career-high 12.1 points this season.
Nwora, aged 25, has contributed 5.2 points per game.
Lewis, with 118 appearances — exclusively in a reserve role — across parts of four seasons with the Pelicans, was averaging 2.9 points this season. The move aids the Pelicans in positioning themselves below the luxury tax threshold.