The Indiana Pacers were an exciting team to watch early in the 2023-2024 NBA season, highlighted by the rise of young point guard Tyrese Haliburton and an aggressive, high-paced offense. Despite posting the best offensive efficiency in league history by January 2024, the Pacers remained in the lower tier of the Eastern Conference playoff standings due to lack of size and a struggling defense. In contrast, the Toronto Raptors, former 2019 champions, were grappling with a rebuilding phase. After losing Kawhi Leonard and Fred VanVleet, the Raptors faced a decline marked by poor shooting and limited shot creation.
Amid these circumstances, the Pacers and Raptors orchestrated a significant trade shortly after the new year: Pascal Siakam was sent to Indiana in exchange for multiple first-round draft picks and Bruce Brown. Initially rated a close-to-even deal, the trade’s impact on both teams became clearer over the following 16 months.
Siakam’s Impact on Indiana’s Playoff Success
The trade transformed the Pacers into genuine Eastern Conference Finals contenders as the 2025 playoffs unfolded. Indiana secured a 2-0 lead over the New York Knicks with back-to-back wins at Madison Square Garden, highlighted by a historic comeback in Game 1 and a commanding Game 2 performance. Siakam scored 39 points while hitting 15 of 23 shots, demonstrating skills that diversified Indiana’s offense at critical moments, particularly when Tyrese Haliburton struggled to find his rhythm.
“Here is Pascal Siakam scoring in a different way against every NYK starterAnunoby – ghosting the switchBridges – pop-and-driveHart – jab-and-go out of the postBrunson – transition cross-match isoKAT – retreat dribble iso step-backAlso, Mitch – sliding into spot-up window pic.twitter.com/NoHRDCpCL2” — Caitlin Cooper
Siakam’s varied scoring techniques disoriented the Knicks’ defense, confirming that the trade addressed Indiana’s previous offensive and defensive shortcomings, and was pivotal to their deep playoff run.
Why the Pacers Chose to Make the Trade
At the time of the deal, Indiana was 23-17 and seventh in the East, still early in its bid to build around Haliburton. The team faced skepticism, with dominant adversaries like the Celtics, 76ers, and Bucks looming. Key concerns included Siakam’s upcoming expensive contract and the risk involved in sacrificing three future first-round picks. Nevertheless, the Pacers remained undeterred, identifying Siakam as the player capable of fixing multiple issues simultaneously, showing a willingness to compete against the conference’s elite.
How Siakam Changed the Team Dynamically
Adding Siakam gave Indiana much-needed size and versatility in the frontcourt alongside Myles Turner. The 6’8”, 245-pound forward with a 7’3” wingspan brought a secondary offensive creator who complemented Haliburton’s fast-paced style, providing a reliable scoring option both in transition and in half–court sets. Siakam’s ability to handle the ball and finish in the paint allowed Indiana to diversify its attack beyond the fastbreak-centric approach that had previously defined the team.
Although Indiana’s offense experienced a slight dip after the trade, their defense saw measurable improvement. The 2024 playoffs further highlighted this evolution, as the Pacers capitalized on opponents’ injuries to advance to the conference finals, where they pushed the eventual champion Boston Celtics more than expected.
Building Continuity and Balance into the 2025 Season
Indiana’s 2024 playoff performance was more than a lucky streak—it was a foundation for sustained contention. With Siakam a consistent presence throughout the 2024-2025 season, the Pacers improved their overall balance, ranking ninth in offense and fourteenth in defense. While injuries and setbacks impacted key rivals such as the Bucks, Cavaliers, and Celtics, Indiana decisively took advantage, proving their worth against top-tier competition.
Siakam maintained impressive production, averaging 20 points per game with efficiency, low turnover rates, and timely assists that freed up perimeter shooters. His presence on the court correlated to a +10.3 net rating, underscoring his value as a two-way player. His third All-Star selection validated his integral role in the Pacers’ progress.
The Trade’s Risk and Reward for the Pacers
The price paid by Indiana was significant, involving multiple first-round draft picks and a large contract commitment near $190 million over four years. The gamble to contend now rather than wait for further development is clearly paying off, as the team’s performance shows definite progress towards achieving its championship ambitions. At this stage, the cost of the trade seems justified by the Pacers’ transformation into real Eastern Conference contenders.
Toronto Raptors’ Outcome from the Trade
The deal has not yielded similar benefits for the Toronto Raptors, who acquired several young players and draft assets but have struggled to rebuild effectively. Their returns include Brandon Ingram (via the Pacers’ 2026 first-round pick), Ochai Agbaji, Ja’Kobe Walter, and Jamal Shead. However, the Raptors lost VanVleet without compensation, traded OG Anunoby for less impactful players, and failed to maximize the value of the first-round picks sent to them. Despite the appearance of high draft capital, Toronto’s rebuilding effort following the Siakam departure has fallen short of expectations.
Siakam’s Trade as the Catalyst for Indiana’s Emerging Dominance
Ultimately, the Pascal Siakam trade has reshaped the Pacers by creating a more balanced roster and a versatile offensive attack that can adapt and flourish against tough playoff opponents. Indiana’s dramatic improvement and continued success have proven that their bold decision was far from a gamble—it was a strategic move that set the stage for a sustained run at the NBA Finals. The Pacers’ transformation reflects a team prepared to challenge the strongest franchises in the East and confirms the Siakam trade as the turning point in their ascent.