Report: Pacers reached out to Raptors regarding Siakam trade

The Indiana Pacers contacted the Toronto Raptors about a possible trade for star forward Pascal Siakam, sources told Sportsnet's Michael Grange.

Siakam, who's entering the final season of a four-year, $136.9-million extension that began in 2020-21, has been increasingly named in trade rumors this offseason, with the Atlanta Hawks most frequently linked with the 29-year-old. Atlanta is still a possible landing spot, reports Grange, who also cites the Orlando Magic as a team to watch in potential discussions.

The 27th overall pick in 2016 out of New Mexico State, Siakam is considered a success story of the Raptors' developmental program and was seemingly considered near-untouchable in previous trade talks. Yet Toronto is now "more prepared to surrender" the star forward, according to basketball insider Marc Stein, per RealGM.

However, teams interested in the 2019 champion and two-time All-NBA selection may be hesitant to meet Toronto's asking price due to Siakam's contract situation. In June, there was a growing belief that his goal is to re-sign with the Raptors and that he would not sign an extension with a team that tries to trade for him, sources told TNT's Chris Haynes. In that scenario, the Cameroonian forward would essentially become a one-year rental.

It's unclear what a potential package for Siakam would involve. The Pacers would almost certainly reject anything involving guard Tyrese Haliburton, while Atlanta would similarly rule out two-time All-Star Trae Young in discussions. Hawks guard Dejounte Murray is now ineligible to be traded until January after recently signing a reported four-year, $120-million extension.

Siakam also has a significant financial incentive to see out his current contract in Toronto and re-sign with the franchise. If he makes an All-NBA team this season, wins Defensive Player of the Year, or is named Most Valuable Player, he would be eligible for a super-max contract, which would pay him approximately $290 million over five seasons, per Spotrac's Keith Smith.