TORONTO
The championship era of the Toronto Raptors is officially over. Pascal Siakam, a two-time all-star and one of the last remaining ties to Toronto’s 2019 NAB championship team, was dealt to the Indiana Pacers in a blockbuster trade Wednesday.
TORONTO — The championship era of the Toronto Raptors is officially over.
Pascal Siakam, a two-time all-star and one of the last remaining ties to Toronto’s 2019 NBA championship team, was dealt to the Indiana Pacers in a blockbuster trade Wednesday. The Raptors received guard Bruce Brown, forward Jordan Nwora and three first-round picks from the Pacers in return. Toronto also got guard Kira Lewis from New Orleans, with a second-round pick going from the Pacers to the Pelicans in the deal.
“Pascal is a champion, an integral part of winning teams and an example of what can be achieved with dedication, perseverance, hard work and tenacity,” said Raptors vice-chairman and president Masai Ujiri.
“We’re lucky to have seen Pascal develop into the man and player that he is today — and we are grateful for everything he has done for our city and for our franchise. We wish him all good things.”
Centre Christian Koloko, who has missed all season with respiratory issue, was waived by the Raptors in a corresponding move.
First-year head coach Darko Rajakovic said he admired Siakam’s professionalism and love of the game.
“Pascal is just a pure basketball junky,” said Rajakovic. “He is the first one to show up in the gym, the last one to leave. He was always coachable, always professional since Day 1.
“I can only be thankful and grateful for all of his contributions to our team this season.”
Though the Raptors have struggled to a 16-25 record, Siakam put together a strong individual season in Toronto, averaging 22.2 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists. Siakam is in the last year of a four-year, US$136.9 million deal. He will make $37.8 million this season.
“I wish nothing but the best for Siakam,” said guard Gary Trent Jr. “It should be a great thing for him. The player that he is, it doesn’t matter what organization he’s going to, he’s a high-level player, a high-level thinker.”
The trade ends one of Toronto’s biggest developmental success stories.
Through a stellar work ethic, Siakam went from a little-known prospect and late first round pick to a Raptors great with a resume that includes two all-star nods, two All-NBA selections and a vital role in the team’s lone championship.
“He came here as almost a teenager and left quite a legacy behind him,” said Rajakovic. “I wish him all the best going forward. We’re going to stay in touch and I wish him all the best.”
It’s yet another major move for a Raptors team undergoing changes amid a difficult couple of seasons.
Toronto sent longtime wing OG Anunoby, forward Precious Achiuwa and guard Malachi Flynn to the New York Knicks for Canadian forward RJ Barrett, guard Immanuel Quickley and a second-round pick on Dec. 30.
Brown is averaging 12.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and three assists this season, while Nwora — pronounced WOR’-uh — is averaging 5.2 points per game. Lewis is averaging 2.9 points and 1.2 assists. Brown and Nwora both have championship rings.
Leave a Reply