In a move that will have ramifications across the trade market, the Indiana Pacers are acquiring Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors. The Pacers are sending Bruce Brown, Jordan Nwora, and three first round picks, according to Adrian Wojnarowski, who broke the news of the trade.
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
Siakam was a target of the Sacramento Kings at one point, but Toronto’s asking price was too high and the Kings removed themselves from negotiations. Seeing the price Indiana paid, it’s easy to understand why the Kings backed away.
The Pacers are taking on a big gamble with Siakam, who has refused to give any teams assurances that he will re-sign this summer. The Pacers are taking the risk, presumably knowing they’ll need to offer a max contract this summer. It’s a move that makes sense for Indiana, who have never been a free agent destination (much like Sacramento).
This move may end up helping the Kings as the February 8th trade deadline approaches. The Pacers were linked to most of the same players as Sacramento, with both teams seeking an impact forward. The Pacers landing Siakam presumably removes them from pursuit of Jerami Grant, Kyle Kuzma, or any of the other oft-mentioned Kings trade targets.
The move is also beneficial for the Kings as Siakam going to Indiana means Siakam isn’t going to the Dallas Mavericks, who had also been rumored to be interested. I’d much prefer to see a player of Siakam’s caliber remain in the Eastern Conference.
Cyakam, wouldn’t wanna Bya
That is a lot for Siakam, knowing that he wants to test free agency this offseason. Glad Monte stood firm on whatever his offer was.
Probably as good of a haul as Toronto could hope for, but Indy basically gave up what projects to be three late 1st round picks and trade filler (not casting aspersions at Bruce Brown, but he seems to be a fair value deal at best at $22m / $23m team option). If (and it is the key “if”) Indy can re-sign Siakam, they landed a helluva core 3 player for reasonable assets.
From ESPN:
I would think Indiana wouldn’t do the trade unless they were pretty confidant Siakam would re-sign.
I think Siakam just wants max money and years. This is his last big bag. He wanted to stay in Toronto for it, but I bet he’ll happily re-sign as long as Indy gives him that max.
Absolutely. The Kings would not have offered a max, just as Toronto didn’t in an extension.
I think Indy is confident that he will sign in summer. Kings were not confident. Kings did not have 3 first round picks bunched that close together to offer and best equivalent to Bruce Brown would be Keegan or Lyles.
This was a no go for Monte.
OG netted them a bigger haul- Quickly ( Monk equivalent) and Barret (Keegan equivalent)- a clear no go.
Now Kings on look out for a defender- too bad could not have inserted into the Indy deal and got Brown. But that leaves Caruso who is “not on the market” and Thybulle who is losing time to Camera in Portland.
Finney-Smith??
That was a quite a bit to give up, but I think he’ll do well in IND and as long as they’re willing to pay up, I’m sure he resign. On IND, he’ll be the 2nd or even 3rd best player but will still be the 1st or 2nd option on offense, I’m sure that makes a difference to him.
So Indy gives up two picks in the 20s this coming draft, and one that is probably in the 20s in 2026, along with a couple of guys that are not anywhere near all-star quality. Long shot lottery tickets and journeymen for a top NBA player.
Toronto got what it could get under the circumstances, but I really like the deal for Indy if Siakam sticks.
Pacers got best deal. No way Monte could have pulled this off- wrong assets.
If they do end resigning him, he’ll need to stay healthy and productive or he’ll end up an anchor around that team’s ability to make future moves like Levine. Siakam will be prob 35 by the time his “max” deal expires (he’s not injury prone or anything, but getting older sucks).
I’d rather not make such a desperate move to add talent when younger players like Grant could be had for a similar price. I’d hate to simply stand pat at the deadline, but the Kings FO needs to keep a steady pace and add talent when you can, but not risk too much at once.
Time to boo Pascal
And another domino falls…
Indy going for glory right now, and I can’t say I hate the idea. That’s a lot of picks, but two are meh pick for this year and I don’t expect a big slide from them in 2026. All for the right to offer him the biggest bag when he goes to FA this summer. If it pays off, they have themselves a squad to really see how far Haliburton can take them.
If, though. Could be a mighty expensive rental. That’s less fun.
Honestly, the value of this trade for Indy largely depends on whether our kid Ty can stay on the court, which has consistently been a problem.
But at least we get to deal with Pascal tomorrow.
Possibly. My understanding of the NBA rules (disclaimer: I know nothing) is that all players must report and pass physicals before any of the players can take the floor. That means that Siakam, Brown, Nwora and Lewis would all need to report and pass. And I think the NBAPA agreement allows them a period of time (48 hrs? 72 hrs?) to report.
I seem to remember that Rudy Gay’s debut as a King was delayed because Greivis Vasquez had passport issues and couldn’t complete his physical in Toronto right away.
Nice pull
That was such a Greivis offense.
Can Bruce Brown be had? I like him.
I guess the challenge would be that Toronto already took on an extra player via the Indy trade, so they would probably have no interest in (say) Vez, Mitchell, McGee, pick. If they saw value in Huerter, you could make that trade straight up. Any interest in Barnes and his contract would surprise me.
Brown is under a $22m contract this year with a $23m team option next year.
I’m a fan of Siakam’s, but to my mind, even if there is some unwritten agreement for him to re-sign if circumstances are good, the cost is too high for Indiana. Between the picks and Bruce Brown, who may be the best glue guy in the league right now, it’s a lot.
At least they had the sense to keep Toppin.
Question: If the Kings were offered Brown, Nwora and those three picks (all projected to be in the 20s) for Keegan Murray, would you do the deal? I would not – my thought that five non-all stars for Murray doesn’t do it for me. And I get that the contract situations are different, but on talent alone, Siakam > Murray right now. That might not be the case by the time Siakam’s next deal expires, but it is the case today.
I get that 1st round picks offer flexibility to an organization and that a lack of picks can handcuff a team. But for Indy – with Hali as their franchise player – adding Siakam is a pretty easy call, in my opinion. Now, whether they wound up bidding against themselves is a good question, but with teams like the Lakers and Mavs (among others) lurking out there, why take the chance? Plus, the faster you make the deal, the faster he helps you this year, which is important to the Pacers and their current standing in the East (tied for 6th – 7th).
Nah, I wouldn’t take that deal for Keegan. He’s young and ascendant. He and Siakam are different kinds of players, but if Keegan can be as good at the things he does as Siakam is with his own, Indy’s package wouldn’t cut it for me. (Yep, absolutely terrible sentence.)
Toronto has committed to the rebuild, which makes their calculus a bit different than ours, and had the very real possibility of Siakam walking for nothing. It isn’t by any means a terrible deal, but they don’t take it if Siakam has one more year on his contract.
As ever, gun-to-head is a terrific motivator.
Pacers gave up 3 picks in the 20’s and Brown. The picks are not worth all that much and Siakam is much better than Brown.
Bet my last dollar there is an agreement for re-sign
I am almost more disinterested in this Kings team than the horrific Dante Greene/Jason Thomspon Kings. There is just no improvement. They need a reset, keep Monk, Sabonis, Fox, maybe Murray (unless he brings a big return)…. and alter everything for running, defense and rebounding.
I don’t know. I can’t be that reactionary. A play here and a free throw there and this team is coming off a 4-1 road trip with wins at Milwaukee and full strength Phoenix.
Am I disappointed right now? You bet. But on this team’s worst night I don’t think that I can compare it the 2007 – 2021 Kings.
Improvement is not always linear, and very few teams maintain a high level of play throughout a season. The Kings are in a bit of a funk right now, and there are definite deficiencies at the wing. But man, what I am getting to watch right now compared to even two years ago? I’m still pretty grateful, and pretty happy.
whats it like having perspective
At my age, the enlargement of my wisdom is being outpaced by the enlargement of my prostate by a 2-1 clip. But internal growth is internal growth, I suppose.
Thumbs up (your butt)!
Reminiscent of some of the great Kings: Pooh Jeter, Caron Butler, Ime Udookie. And Matt Barnes.
What they need is a rain out.
Pre 21/22 Kings?
Same here, I’m glad we don’t suck anymore, and no more tank gifs. Some folks are saying our window is closing but have a fairly young core. Yes sure other teams has a gazilion 1st round picks or also getting better with their core but no reason to rush and make bad trades/signings.
I’m a long-suffering Michigan Wolverine fan. The number of times when they would be highly ranked only to lose to Indiana or the usual loss to OSU were devastating as a fan. Add to that the usual flop in a big bowl game and it was challenging to remain a fan. This year, Michigan was supposed to be good if not great again. Instead of doing the fan thing, I decided to not care about what happened, and if they played well, that would be nice. It turned out to be a great way to be a fan. I didn’t have highs and lows. All of this is to say I have taken the same approach to the Kings this year. I don’t have expectations on a championship (how could someone have that?). I admit to screaming at the TV last night in the last five minutes of the game, but overall, we should just view this team as one building to something. So many times I read that it should be all taken down and rebuilt. This is the rebuild and, IMO, it’s ahead of schedule. They need a few more better players or development of players beyond expectation. All teams have growing pains and unless they are buying a better franchise through offering every superstar max deals, like (both) LA teams, Phoenix,and GS, teams have to build in a linear way like Denver, OKC, Pels, Bucks and any other small market team. There’s much to lament about, especially if you were to create a list of the all-undrafted superstars like Giannis, Doncic (or Jackson) and many more. Hopefully, everyone can relax, lower expectations and whatever happens, happens.
Please don’t take this personally, but fuck Michigan.
I apologize, I am constitutionally-mandated to make this comment.
And you’re taking the exact right approach to being a Kings fan: Expect little and hope you’re wrong.
For the few Michigan/Kings fans out there…
HAIL to the free throws clanky,
HAIL to the offense stanky,
HAIL HAIL to old Sac-town:
The Kangz, they have returned!
Give Fox the backcourt partner he deserves. Trade for Dejounte Murray!
Trade who, realistically?
Ooh, let’s not trade Realistically. He’s one of my favorite players. Let’s trade Hypothetically instead.
Cash Considerations- much better deal
Has ATL said what they’re looking for in return?
Sam Vecenie (Athletic) has him valued as a 1st round pick and a prospect. As the Kings really have no bona fide prospects (I would not count Ellis or Jones), it would probably be a couple of picks, especially given what Atl gave up for him (two unprotected picks and a swap).
I think we have an interesting piece of leverage. We can lift the restrictions on the pick from the Huerter trade so it becomes a first round pick this year. Throw in another first round pick and that’s the two they are “requiring” for Dejounte. Sort of like a 1.5 first round pick compromise.
I don’t think that’s as much leverage as we might hope. In fact, removing those protections almost does us more good, as it frees up the ’26 pick. So you are offering to lift the restriction on what would today be the #17 pick (meaning that Atl already owns it), offering them a likely later round pick in ’26 and – I don’t know – Vez and Mitchell? Seems like someone else could beat that offer, but who knows?
It’s a small piece of leverage, no doubt. Maybe bargaining chip would be a better term but it’s a card to play either way. 17 is pretty close to 12 (sell the KANGZ Monte). And to add on to your thought, by us lifting the protections on that pick we would actually be able to add the ’26 pick into the trade with them.
Player wise, Barnes makes the most sense salary wise for the trade, but I don’t think they want him for the duration of the contract. We might have to add a third team to take our players, we get Dejounte, and they get our picks.
Sound logic. Supposed to be a deep draft, I’m told.
draft i supposed to be relatively bad
The leaked rumors are two first round picks.
They seem to prefer 1st round picks, so Barnes to match salary. Or, interestingly, a reunion with Huerter if they wanted him back.
In Indy, Pascal Siakam, with his $38M this season and his MAX contract for the next 4 seasons (turns 30 in April) is their 2nd best player.
It’s true – he is a good fit with Turner, and their collection of wings (Toppin, Nembhard, Mathurin, Nesmith).
Had Siakam been traded to be a King, and had the Core 4 remained (Sabonis, Fox, Murray, Monk) I only see Siakam as the 3rd best King this season and who knows how Murray improves in the next season or two. That means your highest paid, Max player, is your 3rd or 4th best.
I think the Kings could do better (or different) for fit.
Hey – Buddy Heild is still a Pacer. (Surprised he isn’t in LA, yet).
I just looked at some scores:
Cleveland 129 Milwaukee 83 with 4:49 remaining in the 4th Q.
Don’t Cavaliers understand that no lead is safe! Aren’t they worried?.
oh wait. They aren’t following the Kings or Warriors.
2K GM mode but any way we can grab dejounte Murray AND jerami grant. I’d be willing to include all first round picks at this
The way the trade landscape looks right now, I don’t think the Kings should trade anyone.
I’d say no trade for big names, but moves for role players may be needed.
I’d take D Murray but they don’t have enough to get him.
This is where Monte earns his $….figuring out who to trade for-the pieces needed to fit this puzzle and expand.
I don’t think the kings need any kind of star. But they need specific types of players. That might be gettable.
Agree on all points.
It’s kind of crazy that DJ Murray is even available, he’s long been a guy I thought would be fantastic playing next to Fox.
I hope the Kings Constanza the trade deadline. Everyone wants to do something, so let’s do nothing. Every team is clamoring for a big trade, usually one that the other team would never make in a million years, so let’s just unplug the phone, disable the Internet, and go on vacation.
When we come back, all of those teams will have made moves, or at least talked about making all kinds of moves, and we’ll have done absolutely nothing.
Trade talk. Who cares? I don’t want any of these players to be traded.
It’s gotta be about something…
Well, the Kings have been the subject of a lot of rumors this year…
With Indy going full Pascal, and hoping to re-sign him this summer, I wonder if Jalen Smith is available. He may not even be apart of Indy’s future plans anymore. He was already low in the rotation and just got bumped down even more with Pascal and Toppin ahaed of him on the depth charts.
The guy has a PO next year that he may opt out of. I can’t imagine he’d cost much in terms of assets at this point. I’d offer them Mitchell for them and see if they’d be interested.
Never hurts to add more size/length and shooting on this team. Davion is the anti size/length/shooting so it is a win for the Kings.
OT: Go get Jovic!
Jovic for Davion. Make it happen
They reportedly want a 1st for Jovic.
Uh, pass on that.
Sign me up if it’s lottery protected. He’s 20 years old, rebounds, defends, shoots from outside, and has a budding distributor wrinkle developing. You’re not likely to find a player like Jovic in the early to mid 20s of the first round.
Agreed. It all comes down to what Miami is looking for besides a pick. I’m guessing that want to add vet talent for a chip run and the really need a PG or two. I could see involving a 3rd team.
Sac: Lowry (expiring), Jokic
Orlando: McGee, Kings protected 1st
Miami: Barnes, Mitchell, Cole Anthony
We’re getting the Joker!
Ha, jokes on us!
Eh, he’d just take the ball out of Domas’ hands anyway.
It is a small price to pay for a Dragan!
Tyrese H. has turned into a super-star, which I didn’t see coming when he was with the Kings–but others did. This is a fitting trade to support him. Things have worked out remarkably with Sabonis filling the same need for DeAaron, whose superstardom potential was evident from Day 1.
Monte struck out on OG and Siakem- and good decisions, both.
Three options: 1. go for lengthy scorer 2. go for defense 3. do nothing.
Kuzma would add length and scoring so Kings might stop 3 man keep away offense. But plays no D. Brown is best option on a Raptor bounce in, bounce out move. Does he fit so well in Toronto that they really want him?
Fox actually moved up a spot.
This is where we’re at… This is ESPNs article on “every contender” needs at the trade deadline… Kings never mentioned…
https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/39329550/nba-trade-deadline-2024-every-contender-needs-deep-playoff-run
That’s not surprising. Compared to the teams mentioned, and even on their own merit, they’re not contenders.
At no odds, how much would you bet that the Kings win the championship?
Make it to the finals?
Make it to the WCF finals?
Make it to the 2nd round?
Secure a playoff (not a play-in spot)?
I might put a little even money on them securing a top 6 spot, and my emotions might even get me to part with a little money for the 2nd round. And that’s about it. So my wallet agrees with ESPN in the here and now.
That said, after cracking the seal on the playoffs for the first time in forever last season, making it to the 2nd round was all that I was really hoping for this season.
Just one more playoff win this season then last season and 2023-2024 is considered a success.
The way this team is currently constructed, the Kings getting to the 2nd round is almost entirely dependent on who the matchup will be (considering that they make the playoffs in the first place).
Does Pascal Siakam even crack the starting 5 of “All Time Almost Kings?”
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