Pacers in 'active talks' over Pascal Siakam

Siakam would be a major addition to the Pacers. He would be the second star Tyrese Haliburton has been waiting for. Between them, they could form a fearsome partnership on the offensive end, with Siakam benefiting from the elite playmaking and floor spacing Haliburton brings to the table. 

The issue is Indiana would most likely want a verbal commitment from Siakam. It makes no sense to give up valuable trade assets for a player who could potentially leave for nothing in the summer. There needs to be a level of confidence the franchise can retain their new star. 

In a recent report by Matt Moore of The Action Network, who was speaking on an episode of the "Locked On NBA" podcast, Siakam has no intention of giving a verbal commitment ahead of his free agency. 

“He will not give a verbal commitment whatsoever, let alone an extension with either the Pacers, the Hawks, or the Kings, or the Warriors, or any other team that trades for him. He wants to test out free agency,” Moore said.

The Pacers finished as runners-up in the inaugural in-season tournament. That run helped put them on the map as a young, exciting and upcoming team in the Eastern Conference. 

It would make no sense to tarnish that budding reputation by adding a star only to lose them in a few months. It's a tough decision to make, but the Pacers would be wise to walk away from the deal if Siakam is dead set on hitting the free-agent market next summer.

Siakam controls his destiny right now. His expiring contract can be leveraged against interested teams. The Pacers may have the framework of a potential deal sorted out, but if they can't convince the veteran forward to commit, the whole process has been a waste of time.