I can see this trade happening as it makes sense for all parties, here is why:
Raptors: Cashing in on Siakam's + GTJ's expiring deals. In return, they receivce two young (Canadian) prospects with high up-side that fit on Scottie's timeline from Indiana. From Detroit, they receive a young bigman in Wiseman who can slide into the backup 5 role. Currently with Poeltl injured, he would most likely get the starting spot. Raptors also receive the vet-sharpshooter in Bojan that addresses their 3pt shooting concerns. He would most likely slide into the starting 3-4 slot with Pascal getting shipped out. Raptors will only receive a future 2nd from Indy since Pascal is on an expiring deal plus receiving 2 core propects.
Pacers: Not much explaining here but they receive an All-NBA caliber and versitile wing in Siakam that would be an excellent fit alongside their star PG Tyrese Haliburton. With Indy is also adding some depth at their guard and wing with Monte Morris and Alec Burks. Both are great vets and are great back ups for a play-off team.
Pistons: Getting rid of Bojan is a top priority for them. Sending him to a fringe play-off/play-in team with lots of young talent to mentor would be an ideal scenario for Bojan. Detroit also helps Toronto with their main concerns in 3pt shooting and size. In return, motor city is getting a lot younger along with flexability financially. Most players coming back in the trade are on expiring deals but do have a lot of upside to them. Young gunner Gary Trent Jr. is a great 2-way player sharpshooter that is on Cade's timeline. With the down season he is having compared to previous years, Pistons can snag him on a deal. Obi is a big win that has showcased his improved 3pt shooting with Indy this year. He is also a great lob target for Cade. With Obi and the other assets coming from Indy, I see a few scenarios playing out; Retaining Obi Toppin on a new deal, flipping Buddy Heild for an additional pick and/or young asset, keeping TJ as a mentor to their young guards for the remainder of his deal, and either playing out Jordan Nwora for the remainder of the season or waiving him immediately for roster space. Either way, Detriot is receiving a 2024 2nd rounder from Indy. Arguablly this can be switched for a lottory-protected 1st RP as well.
Obviously, Pacers win this trade as they get the best player in the deal. Raptors are a clear 2nd winner, Masai always finds a way to make something happen out of thin air. For Detriot, if they can re-sign GTJ + Obi on team-friendly deals, while flipping Buddy for a young asset and/or pick then it would be a great trade for them as well.
Let know your thoughts, do you see this happening?
