5 assets Raptors must ask for in possible Pascal Siakam trade to Pacers

2. 2024 first-round pick

In the event that the Raptors trade Pascal Siakam to the Pacers, you’d have to imagine that there will be at least one future first-round pick involved. The Raptors need to prioritize the 2024 first-round pick to be included.

There’s a very clear reason why; there’s a good chance that this upcoming version of the Pacers is going to be their “worst” of the next 4-5 years. With how many young, intriguing pieces Indiana has, it would be surprising if they didn’t develop into, at the very least, a perennial playoff team in the Eastern Conference—perhaps more.

The Toronto Raptors need to acquire draft picks

But that’s far from a guarantee in 2024, even if Siakam is traded to the Pacers. Tyrese Haliburton is still developing, and we may not see the best of him for another few years. Siakam will help this team, but can he raise their ceiling that much? There’s a path toward the Pacers getting him help, but it will take time.

The Raptors should look to get the 2024 first-round pick with the likelihood that their draft picks in the future will only get less valuable. The alternative would be to target betting on the Pacers not having sustained success with their young core and looking for picks in the far future, which is muss less sexy.