Pacers viewed as leader in sweepstakes for Raptors’ Pascal Siakam

Understandably, the rising Pacers believe they are a move or two away from even better things.

Raptors forward Pascal Siakam is said to be available, and acquiring him would fall under the umbrella of such a move. 

And according to Sam Amick of The Athletic, the Pacers are indeed viewed as the leader in the Siakam sweepstakes. Others have been mentioned, with the Raptors and Kings reportedly diving deep into Siakam trade talks. But those have been called off.

Siakam, 30, is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, so any trade involving him will be tricky. But the Pacers have been searching for a power forward and are believed to have made a play for OG Anunoby before the Raptors sent him to the Knicks.

That said, the Pacers really like the upside of rookie power forward Jarace Walker and aren’t expected to include him in a deal. Unless, of course, the Raptors can change their mind.

“Never say never, but…I think the Pacers are very, very determined to NOT include Jarace Walker in any trade,” ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski wrote in his weekly chat on Threads. “Indiana is very high on him, as are other teams, of course.”