Pascal Siakam was the last remnant of the 2019 Raptors title-winning squad still playing in Toronto and he wanted to spend the rest of his career with the franchise. That won’t be happening as Siakam was finally officially traded to the Indiana Pacers. Even though Siakam is in a good spot for his future, playing alongside Tyrese Haliburton, Michael Grange revealed that Siakam was heartbroken and bewildered by the Raptors’ attempts to move him since the summer.
“By the time NBA Summer League rolled around, it was clear from various league sources Toronto was exploring trade opportunities, making the situation awkward enough that Siakam chose not to come to Las Vegas and train along with most of the Raptors’ other returning veterans and meet the incoming rookies. Those close to him say he was both bewildered and heartbroken, to varying degrees, by the turn of events.”
Siakam wanted to get a big contract in Toronto and see out his playing days as a member of the only franchise he’s ever known. Masai Ujiri didn’t have the same plans but still managed to get a decent package for Siakam.
Bruce Brown, Jordan Nwora, and three first-round picks for an expiring contract is a great return, but it’s hard to see them come at the expense of a club legend like Siakam who was criticized in public by Ujiri as the GM made it clear that he doesn’t want to re-sign Siakam to stay with the Raptors.
Is Pascal Siakam The Raptors’ Best Homegrown Prospect?
Siakam meant a lot to the Raptors. He was drafted in 2016 as a late first-round pick and managed to grind his way into getting an opportunity on their contending team with the likes of DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry. By 2019, Siakam was a starter and won Most Improved Player the same year they won the title with Kawhi Leonard. After Leonard’s departure, Siakam became their clear No. 1 option, leading the team to the second round in 2020 but has only made one playoff appearance since.
Siakam averaged 17.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists over his Raptors career, even making All-NBA and All-Star teams. He has a genuine argument for being one of the best homegrown Raptors prospects of all time.
DeRozan and Vince Carter didn’t get the chance to be integral players in a championship run, something Siakam did in Toronto. The 2019 title win makes him such a valuable piece of Toronto that he must’ve been surprised he was being moved with no second thought by the front office.
Instead of holding onto these negative feelings, Siakam should be excited to see what’s in store for him in Indiana. The team is already looking like a playoff threat, with Siakam’s arrival making them look like a top-four roster in the Conference.
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