Kings Trade Target Off the Market Following Raptors-Pacers Blockbuster

The Sacramento Kings have been involved in trade rumors around Toronto Raptors star Pascal Siakam, but after the All-Star forward told teams he would not re-sign in free agency, Sacramento backed out of talks. While there was still a slimmer of hope that Sacramento could land him at a discount, Siakam is now being sent to the Indiana Pacers.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski broke the news, reporting Siakam getting sent to Indiana in exchange for Bruce Brown, Jordan Nwora, and three first-round picks. This is a steep price to pay for Siakam, a pending 2024 free agent, but the Pacers must assume that the All-Star will re-sign in Indianapolis.

The New Orleans Pelicans also got involved in the deal, sending 22-year-old guard Kira Lewis Jr. to the Raptors.

Indiana is sending two 2024 first-rounders and a 2026 first to the Raptors, sources said. New Orleans sends a second-round pick to Indiana. https://t.co/xxaMY5dETc
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 17, 2024

The Kings certainly dodged a bullet with Siakam, as giving up a starter and three future first-round picks is a risk that Sacramento would not take. The Pacers are taking a huge gamble in Siakam, giving away their future for a chance the All-Star re-signs this off-season. Indiana is still not in shape to compete for a championship this season, but if Siakam re-signs, they could be in good shape for years.

Siakam teams up with former King and All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, forming a lethal duo in Indiana. The Pacers currently sit 6th in the Eastern Conference with a 23-17 record, in good position to make a push for a top-four seed.

While the Kings would not trade three future first-round picks for Siakam, it makes more sense for Indiana to do so. For a team searching for a second star to pair with Haliburton, the trade makes sense for both sides, as long as Siakam re-signs in the off-season.

The Raptors no longer have to deal with the drama around Siakam, especially after trading away OG Anunoby last month. Toronto is doing a fantastic job getting off their poor contracts and building toward the future.

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