INDIANAPOLIS — Soon after Pascal Siakam was traded to the Indiana Pacers, reports surfaced about what the All-NBA forward was thinking about regarding his long-term future. The two-time All-Star will be a free agent this offseason, but many league insiders shared their belief that Siakam will re-up with the Pacers.
The four man is on a contract that pays him nearly $38 million this season and expires come July. He is eligible for a two-year extension right now, but Siakam is widely expected to reach free agency.
Recently, the new Pacer spoke about his future and his thoughts about free agency. After Indiana took down Philadelphia last week, Siakam did an interview on the court with Bally Sports Indiana.
"I want to make this home, so I'm excited that everyone is embracing me," the All-Star forward said of the Pacers.
That was one of the first hints that Siakam has provided about his long-term outlook. Assuming he finishes this season with the blue and gold, he will be eligible for a five-year deal with the Pacers that can be up to $245 million in value. Any contract could be for fewer years or less total money, but that's the maximum it can reach. No other team will be able to offer Siakam more than four years and $182 million.
Indiana will have advantages in keeping Siakam. But the most important thing for the franchise is that Siakam actually wants to stay in Indianapolis. After sharing his thoughts about making the Pacers home on Bally Sports Indiana, Siakam was asked about what makes Indiana feel like somewhere he can be long term.
"I think for me, I love the team. Talking with [Tyrese Haliburton], all those guys. From [James Johnson] to Ty, all these guys have been awesome. Front office has been awesome. That's all you can really ask for as a player, to go to a place where from the fanbase to the equipment manager, there's so much respect and love and appreciation," Siakam shared. He has been appreciative of the Pacers organization at every turn since his mid-January trade. "It just feels good. I'm that type of person. If I have a nice house, that's probably the only thing I need. I don't do anything. Having appreciation and a nice house, you've got me."
Siakam is averaging 21.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game for the Pacers so far. They are 3-4 with the forward in the lineup, though they have played a brutal schedule.
The 29-year old was then asked about the balance of staying in the moment instead of thinking about his upcoming free agency decision. "For me, I've always been a person who is focused on the present. I want to be present and I want to take in all these moments," Siakam said in Gainbridge Fieldhouse after a win over the 76ers. "I just go out there, give my best, give everything that I have, and I think when the moment comes, the right outcome is always going to happen."
Siakam added that he knows things are going to work out. He went from a late first-round pick to a G League Champion to an All-Star to an NBA Champion, so it's only natural he feels that way. His entire career has been a productive ascent.
The Pacers will hope that trend continues with their franchise. Given all of the reporting so far and Siakam's public comments to this point, it appears things are trending that way. More will be known in June/July when free agency kicks off.
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