Blinksportsnews247The Toronto Raptors have announced that All-Star Pascal Siakam has been dealt to the Indiana Pacers.
The Raptors announced in a press statement on Wednesday night that they had acquired Jordan Nwora and Bruce Brown from Indiana in return for Siakam. Toronto will also welcome Kira Lewis Jr., who the Pacers acquired from New Orleans earlier on Wednesday.
The group also said that it acquired three first-round selections. Toronto has waived center Christian Koloko in retaliation.In a statement, Raptors President Masai Ujiri said, “This is a time of change for our team.””We continue the work of getting better every day, and continue moving forward in our quest to win here in Toronto.”Ujiri spoke to Siakam as “a champion” and “an integral part of winning teams,” citing his accomplishments as proof of what is possible when one is committed, persistent, hardworking, and persistent.”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.” Uji said in a statement.
Siakam have spent most of his entire career with raptors signing up in 2016.
The Cameroonian forward was selected as an NBA All-Star twice, in 2020 and 2023, and he had a significant role in the Raptors’ 2019 championship victory.
During his tenure in Toronto, Siakam averaged 17.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game.
At the conclusion of the season, the 29-year-old was scheduled to become a free agent.
The transaction on Wednesday was probably influenced by Siakam’s expiring contract, according to Jay Rosales, co-host of the That’s A Rap podcast.
“[President] Masai Ujiri and [General Manager] Bobby Webster were under pressure to act because of what happened with Fred Vanvleet leaving [Toronto] in free agency for nothing,” Rosales told CP24. “And when the parties were unable to agree on a contract renewal, I believe the handwriting was on the wall.
Mayor Olivia Chow wished Siakam success on X, the former Twitter platform.”Pascal Siakam, your contribution to the Raptors and our 2019 championship means you’ll always have a special place in our city’s heart,” Chow stated. The team’s second major acquisition in as many months is Siakam.RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley from Mississauga and OG Anunoby and Precious Achiuwa were traded by the Raptors to the New York Knicks in December.
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