Mar 1, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle talks to the media before the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Last month, the Indiana Pacers executed one of the largest transactions in the history of the team when they acquired Pascal Siakam, a two-time All-NBA forward. The 29-year-old four-man joined the Pacers from the Toronto Raptors, and he has already proven his abilities.
He made his blue and gold debut in Portland just over two weeks ago, scoring 21 points. He scored fifteen in Phoenix two days later, but his biggest contribution came from stepping in as an emergency center. With the Pacers, he has already made an impression with his flexibility and scoring prowess, averaging more than 21 points per game.
“We really enjoy him. Just after the trade, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle stated of Siakam, “I’ve been a long-time admirer.”
Indiana made a really shrewd move, sending away very few long-term contracts. They completed the transaction by wisely using their cap space to match salaries and provide the Raptors with three first-round draft picks.
They now have a forward who was selected to the All-Star team twice, most recently during the last campaign. After the deal, their floor as a team is significantly higher. Pacers guard T.J. McConnell described Siakam as a “special player,” saying, “We’re excited to have him.”
Indiana has a great roster that is full for the foreseeable future. Despite a recent slump that has seen Siakam play in just nine games and standout guard Tyrese Haliburton sidelined because of injury, they are now sixth in the Eastern Conference.
There are some upcoming uncertainties with the Pacers’ long-term roster building, though. This summer, Siakam is a free agent. Haliburton is about to get a big pay increase. Aaron Nesmith concurs. Buddy Hield and Obi Toppin may also be unrestricted free agents seeking wage increases.
The blue and gold might suddenly be a costly team in the upcoming campaign. With a few things to work out in the upcoming months, they might be looking at the luxury tax line in 2024–2025.
