The Raptors made shockwaves across the NBA on Wednesday after they traded All-Star ahead Pascal Siakam to the Pacers.
The three-team deal additionally included the Pelicans, and noticed Siakam pair with All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton in Indiana, whereas Toronto returned Bruce Brown Jr., Jordan Nwora, Kira Lewis Jr. and three future first-round picks from the Pacers.
The commerce marked the tip of an period for the Raptors, as Siakam was one of many last key contributors remaining from the 2019 championship group that took dwelling the franchise’s first-ever NBA title. Chris Boucher is the one participant from that group that is still on the roster.
MORE: Pascal Siakam commerce grades: Pacers add star, Raptors deal with future
Siakam was considered one of Toronto’s signature developmental diamonds. A favourite of group president Masai Ujiri’s, Siakam went from an unknown prospect from Africa to an All-NBA, All-Star caliber participant in a Raptors uniform.
On Thursday, Ujiri was emotional when he addressed the media for the primary time after buying and selling Siakam.
“Two African guys that gained a championship. I share that with him,” Ujiri stated in tears. “I consider his dad. Pascal at Basketball With out Borders. Lots of people do not know that when Pascal got here to Basketball With out Borders in South Africa, he had been admitted into Pastoral faculty. And he solely got here to Basketball With out Borders to see his sister, who lived in South Africa. He was going to return to Pastoral faculty.
“Now he is All-NBA, All-Star, all every little thing. Championship. … That man’s success is my success, irrespective of the place he’s,” Ujiri concluded proudly.
Masai Ujiri on his bond with Pascal Siakam:
“Two African guys that gained a championship. I share that with him … Once more, I say to you guys, that man’s success is my success irrespective of the place he’s.” pic.twitter.com/opzpzQI0a0
— THE SHIFT (@theshift_sports) January 18, 2024
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Masai Ujiri will get emotional whereas discussing Pascal Siakam, DeMar DeRozan trades
Because the press convention went on, the Raptors’ president was requested if it will profit him to be “colder” by way of administration. That query led to Ujiri opening up about all of the feelings that go behind every commerce and choice, and the way it’s the toughest a part of the enterprise.
“Colder than I’m now? I imply, goddamn,” he started. “I do not know if it will get any colder, man.
“It is a robust enterprise. I walked round a lodge for 2 hours — two hours — in Kenya, to sum up the braveness to name DeMar [DeRozan]. And I am a troublesome motherf—. The human a part of this enterprise is hard … My son texted me and stated, ‘You traded OG?’ It is robust,” he continued.
“I bear in mind me and Bobby [Webster] sitting in my workplace to sum up the braveness to stroll from my workplace to educate Casey’s workplace. Or to stroll from my workplace to Nick Nurse’s workplace. Have you learnt how exhausting that’s? While you share a championship or a Coach of the 12 months … With time, it heals somewhat bit but it surely’s not straightforward, man.
“… Buying and selling a participant and when a participant leaves is probably the most tough factor. Fred [VanVleet] stated it. When he was requested, ‘What was probably the most tough factor?’ He stated it was the decision he made to me. I keep in mind that name. It is probably the most tough factor on this enterprise,” Ujiri concluded.
Right here’s the complete three minute reply of #Raptors president Masai Ujiri being requested if it will profit him to be colder by way of administration.
“Colder than I’m now? I imply, goddamn.”
Touched on DeRozan commerce, dropping VanVleet, firing Casey & Nurse: pic.twitter.com/JhDS3p7JWq
— Adam Laskaris (@adam_la2karis) January 18, 2024
With the long-anticipated Anunoby and Siakam trades behind them, the Raptors have fully overhauled their roster to construct round new franchise participant Scottie Barnes. However in keeping with Ujiri, they don’t seem to be performed but.
When requested if there have been extra strikes to be made earlier than the Feb. eight commerce deadline, Ujiri said, “Undoubtedly, yeah. You have a look at this and that is why we have created flexibility,” additionally mentioning the picks Toronto has gotten in return, in keeping with TSN’s Josh Lewenberg.
Even when it is the hardest a part of the enterprise, Ujiri is aware of Toronto has extra to be performed earlier than it competes at a championship stage once more and he is prepared to do what it takes to get again there.
