INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The Toronto Raptors and Indiana Pacers have struck a deal that will see Pascal Siakam, a two-time All-Star, head to Indiana, the Pacers announced on Wednesday night. This blockbuster trade, which comes ahead of the February 8 NBA trade deadline, will also involve the New Orleans Pelicans, who will be sending Kira Lewis Jr. to Toronto.

In exchange for Siakam, the Pacers will send three first-round picks to the Raptors, along with Bruce Brown and Jordan Nwora. Two of the first-round picks will be from the 2024 NBA Draft, while the third will be from the 2026 draft and is top-four protected, according to The Athletic.

The full breakdown of the trade is as follows: Pacers receive Pascal Siakam and a 2024 second-round pick from the Pelicans, Raptors receive Bruce Brown, Jordan Nwora, Kira Lewis Jr., a 2024 first-round pick from the Pacers, a 2024 first-round pick from the Jazz/Clippers/Rockets/Thunder, and a 2026 first-round pick from the Pacers (protected 1-4), and Pelicans receive cash considerations.

Siakam, who is an impending free agent, is reportedly eager to work out a long-term deal with the Pacers this summer. His agent, Todd Ramasar, expressed excitement for Siakam’s future with the Pacers, highlighting the opportunities that lie ahead for him in Indiana.

The addition of Siakam to the Pacers reflects their strong position in the Eastern Conference, currently holding the No. 6 seed with a record of 23-17. Siakam is expected to bring a significant scoring boost to the team, with an average of 22.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game this season.

This trade marks the second major deal for the Raptors this season, following the trade that sent OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks in exchange for RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley. This continues the Raptors’ strategy of building a younger roster around their centerpiece forward, Scottie Barnes.

The emergence of Tyrese Haliburton as a potential star player has motivated the Pacers to pursue veteran talent, in the hopes of elevating their status to championship contenders in the near future.