76ers Rival Pacers Eyeing Notable Trade Prospects

The Indiana Pacers are the latest Eastern Conference up-and-comers looking to take the next step. After spending several seasons out of playoff contention, the Pacers are beginning to pose a threat to the Philadelphia 76ers and the rest of the conference.

Heading into the 2023-2024 NBA season, the Pacers seemed likely to shake things up. At this point, they are viewed as potential buyers as they thrive through the first stretch of the regular season.

Placed in the fifth seed, sitting one spot behind the Sixers, the Pacers are 13-8. Not only would they make the playoffs if the season ended today, but they also made an impressive run to the title game of the NBA’s first-ever In-Season Tournament.

Headlined by young stars Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner, the Pacers could use one of the NBA’s most notable trade block candidates. Perhaps they land somebody from a potential Toronto Raptors fire sale.

Who Are the Pacers Eyeing?

In his latest dump of league intel, Shams Charania of The Athletic noted that the Pacers are among several teams who are eyeing the availability of Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby.

While they certainly aren’t alone in that market, the Pacers might be more aggressive than the competition as they might be eager to take a big swing to expedite their chances of finding playoff success, striking while the iron is hot.

Both Siakam and Anunoby would be decent additions to the Pacers, considering they both carry playoff experience with them, including a title run in 2019. During the Raptors’ NBA Finals run, the latter player wasn’t available during the postseason in 2019 but served as a starter in 27 other playoff games across three runs.

As for Siakam, he has 53 postseason games under his belt and started in 24 matchups while averaging 19 points and seven rebounds during the Raptors’ NBA Finals run.

More Likely to Join the Pacers?

The Sixers know how difficult it is to strike a deal with the Raptors. Over the years, they’ve been linked to discussions with Toronto, and although those hypothetical deals in the past felt close, the division rivals never swapped.

Siakam and Anunoby have been rumored trade candidates for the last couple of seasons. At this point, Siakam is rumored to be the candidate who is most likely on the move. Per Charania, Siakam’s age and contract situation factor into his chances of getting dealt.

A trade for either prospect would certainly offer the Pacers a notable boost. While seeing the Raptors break up their current core is a good situation for the Sixers since it would signal a rebuild for Philly’s division rival, a notable addition in Indiana is certainly something they’ll have to keep an eye on as the Pacers are becoming sneaky threats in the East.