Toronto raptors key player explain why he has to leave

In the Pacers trade, Pascal Siakam discusses his feelings about leaving the Raptors.
According to Pascal Siakam, he never intended to leave the Toronto Raptors and thought of himself as a player who might play for the team for the rest of his career.

Pascal Siakam objected to going.

For some months now, that has been the rumored message. He was telling clubs enquiring about his availability with the Toronto Raptors, “Don’t trade for me.” The cynic will argue that it was a ploy for leverage. Perhaps it was. However, Siakam sounds sincere.

He told the Players’ Tribune, “Toronto is just all I’ve known — and all I’ve wanted to know.” “I never made a trade request. I felt like I could be one of those guys that plays for one team their entire career, which may seem foolish.

Siakam declared his desire to lead Toronto into the post-championship era while remaining with the Raptors. The plan was to guide Toronto to its second championship, and he assisted in leading the group to its first.

However, the Raptors desired to take a different course.

After unsuccessful extension negotiations, Toronto was prepared to change course and usher in a new era under Scottie Barnes’ leadership.

That turn actually materialized a few days ago. Siakam remembered that his agent had contacted to find out his next destination. The 29-year-old soon-to-be free agent had some control over the scenario given his contract circumstances. Siakam claimed that up until then, he hadn’t given leaving Toronto any thought. He declared that he didn’t want to go. But he was stuck with it.

Siakam added, “I also understand that it’s a business, and they have the right to determine when an era is over.”

Out of all the alternatives, Siakam chose Indiana, and Toronto made it happen by transferring him to the Pacers for

Bruce Brown, three first-round selections, and two contracts that are about to expire. By all accounts, Siakam is thrilled about the new chance. Although he hadn’t considered it until lately, it makes sense that he would find it exciting to play with Tyrese Haliburton in the NBA’s most potent offense.

Ironically, Siakam and the Pacers will be returning to Toronto on Valentine’s Day of next month. That day should be filled with happy memories and a gesture of gratitude for one of the greatest players to have ever done it, even though the affection may not be the same as it once was for a player who meant so much to the team.