Fantasy Basketball Update: Impact Of Pascal Siakam Trade, Trade Targets
Ishan breaks down the fantasy basketball impact of the blockbuster Pascal Siakam trade.
Fantasy Basketball Update 1/18
Pascal Siakam has been traded to the Indiana Pacers, where he is expected to eventually sign a long-term deal.
Here are the details, as reported by Woj and Shams:
Raptors Receive:
- Bruce Brown
- Jordan Nwora
- Kira Lewis Jr. (via NOLA)
- 2024 Indiana 1st Round Pick
- 2024 worst of OKC/LAC/UTAH 1st Round Pick
- 2026 top 4 protected 1st round pick
Pacers Receive:
- Pascal Siakam
There are other small moves involved, like Indiana waiving James Johnson and then re-signing him and Toronto potentially needing to do the same with Garrett Temple, and another Bruce Brown move being imminent could evolve this trade even further.
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Fantasy Impact of Pascal Siakam Trade On Pacers, Raports
Pascal Siakam is going to be a top-15 option in fantasy with Tyrese Haliburton out. He will fit this team like a glove, and even when Haliburton is back, the pick and roll between Indiana's new star duo will be beautiful, along with the fastbreak, where both players thrive. Siakam joins the fastest-paced team in NBA history and potentially the best offense in NBA history. This will be less overall iso usage for Siakam than there was in Toronto, but he is the clear-cut second option on Indiana and will be getting served up dimes daily.
Meanwhile, Toronto has young players looking to emerge like Scottie Barnes, R.J. Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley. Buy into the youth movement. These three will be the most consistent producers in Toronto for fantasy managers all season long, especially if there is a chase for the play-in or individual awards toward the end of the season. Bruce Brown is expected to be on the block immediately, and even if he does play for The 6 he would fit in perfectly as a hustle player while allowing the young bulls to take over.
Tyrese Haliburton will continue to be a fantasy legend upon his return from a hamstring injury, but in the meantime, fantasy managers want to continue to scoop up good games from Bennedict Mathurin, T.J. McConnell, and Andrew Nembhard in deeper leagues. Aaron Nesmith, Jalen Smith, Buddy Hield, and Obi Toppin are names to monitor for a potential second bigger deal if Indiana finds themselves looking for one. This team will be important to watch as we approach the February 9th trade deadline.
Other Fantasy Implications of Pascal Siakam Trade
With Siakam not going to Golden State or Dallas, it will be key to see who these teams could be targeting instead. The Warriors are in desperate need of a stable big man and are looking for one that is offensively sound. Nikola Vucevic emerges as an option, and with rumors swirling out of Chicago of possible deals involving Zach LaVine and Lonzo Ball, you expect the European big man to get traded if Chicago decides to blow it up. If they do, Coby White will emerge as one of the best fantasy options at the guard position. A young guard who plays a style of ball that doesn’t risk injury (like Ja Morant, who is unfortunately out for the season), can shoot all day, and is already the focal point of an offense that features DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine. Coby White and Patrick Williams (rostered in just 3% of ESPN leagues) could be steals on the trade market and waiver wire, respectively.
One of Zach LaVine or Dejounte Murray is likely to be the next biggest names moved. Dejounte is rumored to be on his way about 12 teams right now, and has been balling amid the rumors. We saw how Terry Rozier, a player who won fantasy matchups for managers this year while LaMelo Ball was out, generated insane interest from the rest of the league. Miami, Detroit, and Brooklyn will all be linked to scoring guards who can provide an upgrade from their current situation. Depending on where these players go, expect to see improved and consistent usage. Each trade will tell managers exactly what they need to know. Siakam having three first-round picks traded for him indicates how important he will be to what the Pacers do on a night-to-night basis. Dejounte will provide a similar return, maybe netting one or two first-round picks and players; LaVine will likely go for contracts and a pick or two; and Rozier should net the Hornets contracts and a young player. Usage will always skew due to how front offices view their players as assets more than anything.
Top Fantasy Basketball Trade Targets
- Pascal Siakam
- Scottie Barnes
- RJ Barrett
- Immanuel Quickley
- Dejounte Murray
- Jalen Johnson
- Nikola Vucevic
- Trae Young
- LaMelo Ball
- Keegan Murray
- Collin Sexton
- Coby White
