Report: Something ‘behind the scenes’ turned off Pascal Siakam from wanting to go Kings

Pascal Siakam wound up with the Indiana Pacers when he was traded by the Toronto Raptors, but there reportedly was a chance he could have gone to the Sacramento Kings instead until something soured him on that idea.

“Something happened behind the scenes I should say that I believe soured Pascal with Sacramento,” NBA insider Chris Haynes said. “… I’m not prepared to go all out and say what I’ve heard. I want to get my other sources involved with this. But I’m comfortable sayin’ somethin’ happened behind the scenes in which soured Pascal on Sacramento. Sacramento, they were a team of interest as well.”

Siakam was traded to the Pacers by the Raptors in exchange for Bruce Brown, Jordan Nwora and three first-round picks. Kira Lewis Jr. also wound up with the Raptors after the New Orleans Pelicans sent him and a 2024 second-round pick to the Pacers in a separate trade.

The 29-year-old had played eight seasons with Toronto and was part of its 2019 NBA championship team. He was the second high-profile player traded by the Raptors recently. They also sent O.G. Anunoby to the New York Knicks in a deal that brought them Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett and a 2024 second-round pick.

The Kings reportedly were willing to trade for Siakam even if he wasn’t willing to commit to them long term. He is in the final season of his contract and can become a free agent after this season. Sacramento was looking to add him to its top two players of De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.

It is unknown what may have soured Siakam on the idea of joining the Kings.

The NBA rumor mill is in high gear with the trade deadline approaching early next month.

Some executives believe the Pacers may be looking to make another deal even after acquiring Siakam. In addition, three other Raptors players — Dennis Schroder, Gary Trent Jr. and Bruce Brown – are reportedly drawing interest from other teams.

Dejounte Murray of the Atlanta Hawks also is one of the most prominent names who may be available, with several teams including the Miami Heat being linked to him. Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers would be a coveted target, but the team reportedly is not looking to trade him away at this point.

Teams are either looking to improve for the rest of the season or are making moves with the future in mind. With that in mind, the next few weeks could be very busy with deals being made throughout the league.