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Pacers Offseason Guide: Decision on Pascal Siakam Top Priority

There was a significant gap between the Indiana Pacers and a true contender like the Boston Celtics. Yet, the Pacers are going to find it challenging to make a major move this offseason. We are sure to see this gap when the NBA odds for the 2024-25 title are released.

Indy made their big move ahead of the trade deadline by acquiring Pascal Siakam. The veteran forward is set to hit free agency, forcing the Pacers to make a decision.

Pacers Offseason Guide: Decision on Pascal Siakam Top Priority
Pascal Siakam #43 of the Indiana Pacers - Elsa/Getty Images

 

Yet, Indianapolis already owes the Toronto Raptors three future first-round picks as a result of the Siakam trade. It appears the decision has already been made so long as Siakam wants to stay in Indy.

 

 

Here is a guide to a pivotal offseason for the Pacers.

 

Pacers Must Build Around Tyrese Haliburton

Tyrese Halibuton’s pregame fits may not be my style, but it is hard to argue against the star as a franchise player. Indy may be unable to make significant moves, but Haliburton’s presence alone is reason for optimism for Pacers fans.

I don’t believe we have seen Haliburton’s ceiling and the star took a significant step this season. Haliburton averaged a double-double for the second straight season.

The point guard averaged 20.1 points, 10.9 assists and 3.9 rebounds while shooting 36.4% from long range in 69 appearances. This marked the first season Haliburton did not shoot 40% or greater from the 3-point line.

 

Trading Myles Turner May Be Lone Chess Move Remaining

With Siakam’s upcoming free agency, the Pacers have limited options to improve their roster. Indy could explore trading center Myles Turner given his reasonable contract.

Turner posted eight points and four rebounds in two of the team’s four losses versus the Celtics in the Eastern Conference finals. Would Indianapolis be better off moving Turner for another player?

Turner is on a reasonable two-year, $40. 9 million contract, but has been the subject of trade rumors for years. The big man will be heading into the final season of his deal.

Turner could have value ahead of the NBA trade deadline in 2025 as an expiring contract. The Pacers could opt to hold onto the center to start the season and attempt to make another midseason move in 2025, as they did to land Siakam.

 

Pacers Will be Better Regardless of Roster Moves

The good news for the Pacers is the team will get better just by getting back to full health. Indy played without Haliburton for a good portion of the Eastern Conference finals.

The Pacers were also without Benedict Mathurin since March. Mathurin has been a key part of Indiana’s offense, averaging 15.8 points in his first two NBA seasons.

Indiana’s offseason could be as simple as those two players getting healthy along with re-signing Siakam and Obi Toppin. The Pacers could still add a couple veteran players interested in playing for a contender.

 

Indy Displayed Ability to Play in Clutch Moments

Consider that the Pacers were not only one of the four remaining NBA teams but also made a deep run in the In-Season Tournament. The Pacers may not have made the NBA Finals, but these high stakes contests will only help the young squad moving forward.

“An amazing season, a magical season,” Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said, per Pacers.com. “The level of fight was just tremendous all the way through this. Circumstance never fazed them one way or another, they were in this to win every possession that they could in any game that they could.

“A lot of respect to our players and just how they conducted themselves in this series. There were a lot of things accomplished this year, and certainly expectations will be raised for next year which is good.”

 

Questions Of The Day

What key Pacers players are free agents this offseason?


Pascal Siakam and Obi Toppin are among the key Pacers players who are free agents.

Were the Pacers without any key players versus the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals?


The Pacers were without Tyrese Haliburton (two games) and Benedict Mathurin (entire playoffs) against the Celtics.

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