Despite seeing two of his closest teammates traded to the San Antonio Spurs, power forward Pascal Siakam is excited for what could be in store for the new-look Toronto Raptors. 

Speaking at an event at Humber College in Toronto on Tuesday, the 24-year-old told TSN's Josh Lewenberg that Kawhi Leonard could be a special piece for Toronto in 2018-19.  

"If he comes back healthy I think he's going to be a great piece for us. He was a great player when he was playing," Siakam said. "We're just excited. A lot of (lineup) combinations, guys that can do different things. I think it's going to be a fun year."

Despite the exciting future, Siakam admits it was "sad" to see DeMar DeRozan and Jakob Poeltl headed out of town. Siakam has a special connection with Poeltl as the pair were both drafted in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft by the Raptors and had become good friends in Toronto. 

Siakam says it will be weird not having Poeltl around next season.

"It's definitely going to be weird. It's already weird... You know the NBA is a business and things happen, but it's a little sad when you get close to people," he said. 

Poeltl was selected ninth overall while Siakam was taken late in the first round at 27.

Siakam averaged 7.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and two assists over 81 games, 76 off the bench, in his sophomore year in the NBA last season.