Pascal Siakam’s short-term future is sorted after he was traded to the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday. However, questions remain about where he will be beyond this season.
Siakam will be eligible for free agency this summer, which was a key issue in trade negotiations involving the Toronto Raptors. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, however, Siakam is excited about being traded to Indiana, and the expectation is that he will be “eager” to work out a new contract with the team.
Pascal Siakam is excited about the deal to the Pacers and expected to be eager to work out a new contract with the franchise this summer, sources tell ESPN. Siakam can be a free agent in July. https://t.co/gFJGXwHJCU
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 17, 2024
Initial comments from Siakam’s agent Todd Ramasar backed up that notion, stating that Siakam’s future with the Pacers looks bright.
“I’m excited that Pascal is getting a first class opportunity with the Pacers, being paired with Tyrese and Myles and being coached by a great coach in Rick Carlisle. His future their looks bright there,” Pascal Siakam’s agent Todd Ramasar tells @andscape about trade to Pacers.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) January 17, 2024
Reports had previously suggested that Siakam was determined to test free agency, a stance which would have complicated trade talks. The Pacers were clearly comfortable with whatever Siakam’s stance is, as it is unlikely they would have given up such a draft pick haul if they did not anticipate being able to work out a long-term deal.
A two-time All-Star, Siakam arrives in Indiana averaging 22.2 points and 6.3 rebounds on the season. He will fit into a talented core that also includes Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner.
