The Toronto Raptors have been busy making moves. From trading franchise pillars Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby last season to giving Immanuel Quickley a massive extension, the franchise is trying to reshape its roster around Scottie Barnes.
It is a new era in Toronto, but fans still miss Siakam and Anunoby. There was hope that both could be part of their next contender, but the Raptors front office could not figure it out. The franchise is better off after the trades, but watching both players make playoff runs in 2024 was upsetting.
Siakam signed a massive four-year extension with the Pacers this offseason, and a slip up at the press conference announcing his new deal broke the hearts of Raptors fans. Hear his mistake below and get ready to have your heart drop.
Pascal Siakam mistakenly thanks the Raptors during his extension presser with the Pacers
The two-time All-Star is still adjusting to his new team and new surroundings, despite the Pacers reaching the conference finals. He mistakenly said thanks to the Raptors before correcting himself as Indiana announced his extension.
Pascal accidentally thanked the Raptors instead of the Pacers 🥺 https://t.co/cOcXwptRLs pic.twitter.com/x99TYhOWAj
— OG's Scarf (@OGsHeadband1) July 8, 2024
Siakam spent his first seven and a half NBA seasons in Toronto. He went from late first-round pick to starter to All-Star wearing a Raptors jersey. Clearly, he still thinks of himself as a member of the franchise, which made it even harder to see him traded to the Pacers.
Toronto got Bruce Brown, Kira Lewis, Jordan Nwora, and three first-round draft picks in exchange for Siakam. One of those was Ja’Kobe Walter in the 2024 draft. The deal should only improve for the Raptors, but getting an All-Star in return won’t be easy. They did not want to give Siakam the massive extension the Pacers did, so it was best for both sides to part ways.
Do not rule out a reunion at some point. Pascal Siakam clearly still thinks of himself as a Raptor. The two sides may link back up and allow the All-Star forward to finish his career in Toronto. It could be a storybook ending for both sides.
For now, Siakam is the number two in Indiana behind Tyrese Haliburton, and the Raptors are rebuilding around Barnes and Quickley. Can those two young pieces blossom into stars in Toronto? Is that enough to make the Raptors a serious title contender? It will be fascinating to watch, so stay tuned.