Charles Barkley of TNT Sports is thrilled about the Indiana Pacers’ future after they agreed to acquire All-Star Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors. The NBA legend believes the Pacers can finish in the top three of the Eastern Conference after the deal, and that they should focus on the Boston Celtics rather than the Milwaukee Bucks.
According to TNT Sports expert Charles Barkley, the Indiana Pacers’ purchase of Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors is a “great trade”.
The Pacers acquired the Power Forward as part of a massive three-team trade.
The Raptors will receive Bruce Brown, Jordan Nwora, two 2024 first-round picks, and a conditional 2026 first-round pick. They will also sign Kira Lewis from the New Orleans Pelicans, while Toronto has waived Christian Koloko.
The Pacers will also receive a second-round draft pick from the Pelicans, and by incorporating Lewis in the transaction, Indiana can match Siakam’s salary without adding another player.
Since entering the NBA in 2016, Siakam has averaged more than 20 points in five of his eight seasons and has been selected an All-Star twice.
The 29-year-old also helped the Raptors win their only NBA championship in 2019, and Barkley believes the Pacers will improve after he settles in with the team.
“This isn’t a good trade for the Pacers; it’s a fantastic trade,” he told TNT Sports. “I adore what they’re doing in Indiana. They are like, ‘You know what, let’s go for it.’
"This ain't a good trade for the Pacers, it's a great trade." 👀
Chuck's reaction to Indiana's trade for Pascal Siakam pic.twitter.com/JoeGRzqIMB
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) January 19, 2024
“You’re only terrified of the Boston Celtics; you’re not afraid of the Milwaukee Bucks, which we control. We have won all of our games against them this year.I believe the Sixers [Philadelphia 76ers] require one additional piece. You rarely get the chance to have an All-Star on your squad. His numbers are only going to improve as he plays with better players.
“I believe they might finish second or third in the Eastern Conference standings. “I love the trade, but I know they’ll miss Bruce Brown.”I’m a huge Bruce Brown fan, and I believe he’ll be traded again to a contender because he’s such a great player.
