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On Wednesday afternoon, the Indiana Pacers bolstered their roster, acquiring Toronto Raptors star Pascal Siakam in a three-team deal with the New Orleans Pelicans. In what I consider a win-win trade, the Pacers sent guard Bruce Brown, forward Jordan Nwora, and multiple 2024 second-round picks to Toronto. In addition, Indiana shipped a projected top-four 2026 first round pick to the Raptors. As a part of the deal, Indiana received guard Kira Lewis Jr. and cash consideration from New Orleans.
— Ballislife Bets (@BallislifeBets) January 17, 2024
Pascal Siakam TRADED to the PACERS!
via @wojespn pic.twitter.com/2NW9QUmZvC
Indiana didn't have to give up their young, core players
RELATED: RAPTORS TRADE OG ANUNOBY TO THE NEW YORK KNICKS
A bold, yet brilliant move, the Pacers didn't have to part ways with any of their younger players. Bennedict Mathurin remains a core part of this team, along with defensive specialist Andrew Nembhard. They even retained Jarace Walker, whom they selected 8th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft.
We're incredibly excited to welcome Pascal to Indiana," said Pacers President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard in a PR team issued statement. "As a two-time All-NBA selection and two-time NBA All-Star, Pascal is a player that our organization has long admired and respected. We feel that his unique offensive skillset will complement our style of play, while his defensive versatility will be a valuable asset to our team."
It was only a matter of time before Siakam was moved, as trade rumors continued to heat up in recent weeks. Currently 16-25 this season, Toronto recently shipped OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks, in exhange for Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett. While Toronto hasn't seen a playoff run since the 2021-2022 season, they're in clear rebuild mode, and will continue to see 22 year-old Scottie Barnes as their focal point.
welcome to Indy, Pascal Siakam
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) January 18, 2024pic.twitter.com/KbzTdvxDKq
The trade makes sense, especially since Siakam and Anunoby were likely to enter free agency this summer. Besides their championship title in 2019, the Raptors displayed nothing but mediocracy since the 2020-2021 season. With the departure of Kawhi Leonard and Fred VanVleet, Toronto simply couldn't find a way to win, despite retaining several talented players. With the recent changes, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley will continue to develop, and the Raptors organization can plan for the future. Imploding their post championship roster was the inevitable.
The Pacers front office believes in this team
The Pacers haven't seen playoff action since the 2019-2020 season. In fact, Pacers President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard has been vocal about striking a colossal trade in the past.
Considering Indiana has the young talent, and draft capital, now was the perfect time. It's clear as day, the Pacers are way ahead of their rebuild schedule. From 2020-2023, Indiana had a cumulative win loss record of just 94-142.
From my perspective, the Pacers front office believes in this team, especially after the splash they made in this year's In-Season Tournament.
The downside? Pacers will depart ways with veteran guard Bruce Brown, who brought championship experience from his time in Denver. Brown, who signed a 2-year, $45 million contract with the Pacers this past offseason, was a monumental contributor this year. The former Pacer started all 33 games with Indiana this season, averaging career-highs in point (12.1), minutes (29.7), and free-throw percentage (81.7 %).
"A two-time All-Star, who's 29 - right in the heart of his prime."@PatBoylanPacers & @PacersJJ break down the deal that brought Pascal Siakam to the Pacers on today's episode of The Sideline Guys powered by @GainbridgeSport.
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) January 18, 2024https://t.co/XKmOsTMGTU pic.twitter.com/laP8sTxxgr
In eight seasons with Toronto, Siakam averaged 17.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, on 32.7 percent three-point, and 49.1 percent field goal shooting. In 510 career NBA games, the forward was named a 2x NBA All-Star, All-NBA Second Team, Most Improved NBA Player, and was a key part in the Raptors championship run.
He brings defensive versatility to the Pacers
He now joins a Pacers team, who leads the NBA in total offense this year. Not only is this a dynamic team scoring wise, they have the highest offensive rating in NBA history. Led by guard Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana is currently in playoff contention, and remains dedicated to building a winning roster. With Haliburton emerging into a star, Siakam is everything the Pacers hoped and dreamed for.
While Indiana is elite when it comes to scoring, they lack defense, and size, next to center Myles Turner. Putting up a league best 125.6 points a game is great, however, when it comes to contention, this team will need defense. Ranking 27th in defensive rating (119.5), the Pacers allow a league worst 50.2 field goal percentage. In addition, they lack perimeter defending, and struggle on the boards. When I mean they struggle, they rank near last in defensive rebounding (30.6 per game).
Siakam, who is 6'8, is a two-way wing who will make an immediate impact on both sides of the ball for Indiana. While Myles Turner was once involved in several trade rumors, he's now a concrete part of their front court. With Turner's ability to stretch the floor, Siakam will bring versatility, along with size and length on the defensive end. He's excellent at defending multiple positions, which should help their guards. He's also a viable scoring option, who will replace Jalen Smith in the starting rotation.
Can the Pacers sign Siakam to a long-term deal?
Sure, the Pacers gave up several assets for Siakam in a rare move by the Pacers. With how talented Hailburton is, Siakam has never played alongside such a talented facilitator and scorer like him. While this team is very young, their bench remains extremely deep. Jalen Smith, Obi Toppin, Jarace Walker, and Aaron Nesmith remain in rotation for Indiana. Perhaps their depth will be the secret to their success.
With $38 million left on his expiring contract, the biggest question remains if the Pacers can retain the forward longterm. Although he's ineligable to sign a long term deal until summer, there's speculation among several reports that the Pacers are optimistic.
In an interview with interview with Mark Medina of Sportskeeda, Siakams agent, Todd Ramasar, spoke about his clients upcoming free agency and the recent trade.
“I could see Pascal in Indiana long term,” Siakam’s agent, said Todd Ramasa. “They want to see Pascal with the organization long term.” He also added the forward is "excited and ecstatic about the opportunity in Indiana."
A high risk,high reward move, the Cameroon native is in the prime of his career, and will make an immediate impact for Indiana. In 39 games this season, Siakam is averaging 22.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists. Additionally, he's shooting at a high clip from the field (52.2 percent), his personal best since the 2018-2019 season.
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Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Social Media Manager, and Sports Content Creator at Ballislife. She has a focus on the Sports Betting, NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.
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Damian Lillard spent his entire career with Portland
The saga between Damian Lillard and the Portland Trailblazers finally came to an end this week. In July, Lillard, 33, had requested a trade from Portland, an organization he spent eleven seasons with. Throughout his tenure, Lillard led the Trail Blazers to the playoffs eight times, resulting in zero NBA Championships. In several playoffs runs, Portland made it to the Western Conference Semifinals three times and had one appearance in the Western Conference Finals against Golden State.
Loyal to Portland, Lillard had a career average of 25.5 points, 1 steal, 6.7 assists, and 4.2 rebounds. No. 0 is Portland's all-time leader in Points (19,376), Offensive Win Shares (86.8), Three-Point Field Goals (2,387), Three-Point Field Goal Attempts (6,410), Free-Throw Attempts (4,946), Free-Throws (4,427), and Player Efficiency Rating (22.5).
Lillard failed to win a Championship in Portland
After finishing 33-49, the Trail Blazers finished near last in the Western Conference. Since the hire of head coach Chauncey Billips, Portland hasn't made a trip to the playoffs since the 2020-2021 season. After a disappointing finish, the franchise earned the third overall pick in the NBA Draft Lottery. Despite Lillard vocalizing his preference to play with other stars on numerous occasions, the Trail Blazers opted to retain the third pick. With a crowded backcourt, consisting of Lillard, Anfernee Simons, and Shaedon Sharpe, the organization drafted guard Scoot Henderson, from G-League Ignite. It was apparent Henderson was selected as the heir to Damian Lillard.
No. 0 gave Portland and General Manager Joe Cronin every opportunity to improve and build a championship roster. Besides Henderson, Portland reached a contract with Jerami Grant for $160 Million over five years. Less than ten days later, Lillard requested a trade. In his time in Portland, Lillard was a 7x NBA All-Star, the 2012-2013 Rookie of the Year, and was named a member of the NBA 75th Anniversary team. Last season, the point guard averaged a career-high in points per game (32.2).
Lillard to the Heat?
In an initial call regarding Damian Lillard, the Blazers asked the Heat for Jimmy Butler or Bam Adebayo, sources tell @ShamsCharania and @sam_amick.
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) September 28, 2023
Miami believed Portland had little to no interest in engaging in a deal with them.
More: https://t.co/SebivnL1IP pic.twitter.com/NFjpO4hsJ7
Damien Lillard had one destination in mind, and that was the Miami Heat. While that was his preference, Cronin made it known he would only trade Lillard for the right package, which included pursuing a Regardless of his wishes, the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks couldn't strike a deal. In fact, Lillard was on the brink of facing discipline after his agent warned several NBA teams about the star's preferable landing place. According to Shams Charania of the Athletic, Miami was inclined to make an offer this summer.
“For their part, league sources say the Heat were prepared in July and August to offer up to three first-round draft picks — with Tyler Herro going to a third team — and multiple second-rounders and swaps along with expiring contracts and 2022 first-round pick Nikola Jovi?. But the Blazers were disinterested, with each side developing a level of contentiousness. (Shams Charania, the Athletic).
As the months went on, trade talks became more and more stagnant. At one point, Lillard considered a return back home. Per reports, Joe Cronin had every intention of moving Dame [Lillard]. Though we will never know the true story behind the negotiations, Damian Lillard made one aspect clear, his relationship with the Trail Blazers front office had tarnished. Once he was traded, No. 0 put out a bold statement via X:
"The casuals won't be addressed, but the Trail Blazers fans and city of Portland that I love truly will be... and they will be addressed truthfully. Stay tuned. Excited for my next chapter! " @Bucks
Milwaukee trades for Lillard
Milwaukee... IT'S DAME TIME!
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) September 28, 2023#FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/xPR2uL6Q4n
With less than a week before the start of training camp, many wondered the status of Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers. With several rumors that swirled for months, the Bucks were the "secret" team to land the star in the East. On Wednesday, Damian Lillard was shipped to Milwaukee as part of a three-team trade with the Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers. In return, Portland received Deandre Ayton and Toumani Camara from the Suns, Jrue Holiday from the Bucks, and a 2029 first-round pick from Milwaukee. Additionally, they will receive two first-round pick swaps with the Bucks in 2028 and 2030.
Phoenix received Grayson Allen from Milwaukee, along with Keon Johnson, Nassir Little, and Jusuf Nurkic, all from the Blazers. Lillard now joins one of the best players in the league, Giannis Antetokounmpo who both welcome championship expectations. The guard joins an organization, who most recently won an NBA Championship in 2021.
Milwaukee welcomes Lillard with open arms
Welcome to the 4⃣1⃣4⃣#FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/2lqAhA6u2J
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) October 1, 2023
On Monday, thousands of Bucks fans gathered outside the stadium for Lillards welcome rally. "It's Dame Time, Milwaukee!" was seen on billboards no less than three days after the trade news. The newest Bucks member was seen with his two children, sporting a green sports outfit.
Monday was Media Day, and Lillard expressed his thoughts on the trade, and becoming the newest addition in Milwaukee. He stated things are "new" with transition, and it "has been a great experience."
"The way that my family and I were embraced when we got here, to feel wanted, and to feel desired, and to feel something fresh and new-- it's definitely been a boost of energy and focus, and my excitement going into this season, " said Lillard.
Lillard expressed his excitement over the pairing with the 2x MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Bucks have arguably the greatest duo since the Oscar Robertson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar days.
"I don't think its a secret how much I want to win," Lillard said in his presser. "That's how I got here today. They want to win equally as bad as I do. I couldn't be more excited, I couldn't be more thankful for this opportunity to be a part of this organization. "
Lillard mentioned the hospitality the Bucks showed his family was great, and the welcoming was something he "really appreciated." Lillard stated his arrival in Milwaukee has been chill, and could "tell it was a family environment right away." He mentioned being embraced made him feel wanted, and his family is getting "comfortable."
Bucks, Celtics are equally viewed as potential Champions
The Milwaukee Bucks became the immediate favorites to win the NBA title after the trade at +450. Then, there was a another twist in the story. The Portland Trail Blazers immediately flipped Jrue Holiday and struck a deal with the Boston Celtics. In a shocking move, the Celtics acquired Holiday in exchange for Robert Williams III, Malcom Brogdon, and two future first-round picks. The Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks are now equally favored at +400 odds to win a title. Prior to the acquisitions, Boston were the heavy favorites in the Eastern Conference.
The impact of Lillard on the Bucks Franchise
Milwaukee Bucks acquire seven-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA selection and NBA 75th Anniversary Team member Damian Lillard.
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) September 28, 2023: https://t.co/UW5WDDCq0H pic.twitter.com/0DXHxd0E3q
The Milwaukee Bucks are two years removed from an NBA Championship, and were always considered a favorable team in the East. The addition of Lillard ascends them into a superteam, and immediately gives both sides a chance to win. After the elimination against Miami last season, Milwaukee finally found their missing chest piece. The pairing of the two super stars creates the opportunity to be one of the best pick and roll duos in the league.
"I'm a pick and roll player, I've played a lot of pick and roll in my career. When I think about playing with him [Giannis], I've just tried to figure out, how do you defend it," said Lillard. He pointed out that he's "excited" to play with Giannis, and "never had an opportunity like this before."
Besides Giannis, No. 0 joins a talented core, which consists of Khris Middletown, Brook Lopez, Malik Beasley, and Bobby Portis. "When I looked at the roster, it was very easy to make sense of what my job is going to be," said Lillard on Media Day.
Although there is substantial amount of talent on the floor, the point guard knows chemistry has to be established alongside the hype. Always the underdog throughout his career, Lillard admits he's done more "underachieving rather than overachieving." He's excited for this opportunity, and "at my age and this stage in my career, I think it came at the right time," said Dame. Despite the fact Giannis and Lillard look great on paper, he admits "the work has to get done."
Lillard implied his defense has improved over the years, and coming into a "defensive minded team," makes it that much easier.
Jrue Holiday bolsters the Celtics backcourt
The Holiday season came early this year
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) October 1, 2023
Welcome to Boston, @Jrue_Holiday11 pic.twitter.com/yxbR1cWmnA
Celtics executive Brad Stevens learned from the best, Danny Ainge. Once Jrue Holiday was traded from Milwaukee, several reports indicated the Blazers would move on from the guard. It's been a whirlwind of an offseason for Boston, who traded Marcus Smart in the exchange for Kristaps Porzingis. With Derrick White set as the teams starting point guard, questions lingered around Malcom Brogdon, and his relationship with the organization. Due to injury concerns, Boston was unable to trade Brogdon over the summer.
Holiday joins the Celtics organization as a 2x NBA All-Star, 2x NBA All-Defensive First Team, and an NBA champion. On Celtics Media Day, Brad Steven expressed the Celtics are trying to win a championship, and talked about paying a "real price" for pristine players.
Jaylen Brown describes Holiday as "as assassin," and will replace the defensive intensity that the C's lost with Marcus Smart. Known for his defensive prowess, Holiday will join White in a ferocious backcourt. Although Boston is thin at the front court, the addition of Jrue is vital to a potential championship run. No 4. joins a championship caliber team as a player who averaged almost eight assists last season, number's the Celtics haven't seen since the Rajon Rondo Days. Holiday joins a loaded roster, which includes Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Derrick White.
Defeated by the Miami Heat in game seven of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Celtics made a much needed upgrade at the point guard position.
Both Milwaukee and Boston are the clear favorites in the East, after making individuals moves to improve their chances of winning the title. Unable to get over the hump, both teams feel their acquired players will help reach their championship goals.
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Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter at Ballislife, and a Sports Content Creator on Twitch and TikTok. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.
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