Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam. David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

It would be a shock if Pascal Siakam didn't re-sign with the Pacers

By Adam Taylor | Last updated May 28, 2024 3:35 PM ET

Pascal Siakam is heading into unrestricted free agency. The Indiana Pacers were aware their in-season addition could potentially walk away from the franchise for nothing during the summer.

However, a deep postseason run that saw the Pacers make the Eastern Conference Finals is the best sales pitch the franchise could have hoped for.

When speaking to the media as part of his postgame news conference following Indiana's postseason elimination, Siakam spoke glowingly of the Pacers and the city of Indianapolis.

“All I can say is that it’s been a blessing," Siakam said. "I’m really appreciative of everything...The support I’ve received here is something that I was kind of missing. Having all that, seeing how the city breathes basketball, and how much support they give to the team, just being here for the home games, it’s incredible. How would you not be a part of that? I’m just really blessed and happy how this has been.”

"It's been a blessing...Seeing how the city breathes basketball and how much support they give to the team. It's incredible."

Pascal Siakam talks about being in Indiana and the support he's received from Pacers fans. pic.twitter.com/hbJ9SEizRL
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) May 28, 2024

Indiana is a young team on the rise. Tyrese Haliburton is a future star. Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith have bright futures in the league. And Myles Turner continues to improve his game. If Siakam wants to have a leading role on a young and improving team, he is already in the perfect place.

Siakam could become the cornerstone of Indiana's current roster. He and Haliburton would be a ferocious one-two punch. The Pacers already have an elite coach leading the charge in Rick Carlisle.

Everything is situated for Indiana to continue improving. Siakam's presence would not only help expedite the process but would ensure the Pacers are a legitimate threat in the immediate future while they continue to improve and evolve.

Given the Pacers' current direction, Siakam's comments to the media and the limited opportunities in free agency, it would be a shock if he didn't re-sign with Indiana during the summer.

However, nothing can be taken for granted. He could still be tempted away by a big offer. Indiana knew the risks when it traded for him, and the Pacers put themselves in the best possible position to keep him around long-term.

Adam Taylor

Adam Taylor is a sports journalist based out of the UK. Adam has been covering the NBA for nearly a decade with a core focus on the Boston Celtics. He currently holds bylines with Yardbarker, SB Nation and USA Today

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