Pascal Siakam's tenure with the Toronto Raptors came to an end on Wednesday afternoon with a blockbuster trade. The former All-NBA player was moved to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for three role players and three first-round picks. It seems Siakam worked through tough issues with Toronto.
Pascal Siakam and the Raptors were at a crossroads on his contract extension before the trade
There is no question about Siakam's ability on the court. He is a two-time NBA All-Star (2020 & 2023), made the 2020 All-NBA Second team, and won a championship in 2019. The Raptors have gone through a transition period since their title run. Siakam has flourished since then, but the team has not.
Toronto has not made it out of the second round of the playoffs since 2020. While Siakam remains a top player, his production has not taken the Raptors to the highest level. Thus, he and the franchise were at odds about a contract extension.
In the leadup to the 2022-23 NBA season, Toronto reportedly offered Siakam a three-year extension worth roughly $125 million. However, the star forward rejected the offer, as he had plans to make another All-NBA team and earn a bigger contract, per Michael Grange of Sportsnet.
League sources say the Raptors communicated they would not pay Siakam the maximum extension, even if he were to make the All-NBA team again. Of course, had he been in the MVP conversation, negotiations may have been different.
Nevertheless, Siakam looks ahead to his new start in Indiana following the big trade. The 29-year-old fills the void of the Pacers' need for a star power forward. Moreover, he should pair nicely with Tyreese Haliburton and the multitude of Indiana's role players.
Perhaps the star forward can shine brighter and earn the All-NBA honor he seeks to get back to.