News broke on Wednesday that Pascal Siakam, the All-Star forward, has made the decision to sign a four-year, $189.5 million maximum contract to remain with the Indiana Pacers. This move comes after Pacers’ management presented the lucrative offer to Siakam and his agents earlier this week. The contract is set to be signed once the NBA’s free agency moratorium ends on July 6th.
Siakam, who was acquired in a trade with the Toronto Raptors in January, played a pivotal role in the Pacers’ journey to the Eastern Conference finals. The front office of the Pacers believes that Siakam’s championship experience and All-NBA caliber will complement the playing style of All-NBA guard Tyrese Haliburton. With both Siakam and Haliburton on the roster until 2028 and 2029 respectively, the Pacers are setting their sights on a successful future.
During his time in Indiana, Siakam showcased his scoring prowess by averaging 21.3 points on an impressive 55% shooting from the field. His three-point shooting percentage stood at 39%, making him a versatile threat on the offensive end. Siakam also etched his name in the record books by becoming only the third player to achieve the feat of averaging 35 points and 10 rebounds in each of his first two playoff games, a feat achieved previously by legends like Elgin Baylor and Wilt Chamberlain.
The four-year, $189.5 million contract that Siakam is set to sign would rank as the second-largest deal in Pacers’ history, falling behind the five-year, $245 million extension inked by Haliburton the previous year. Siakam’s journey from being the 26th overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft to a max-contract player with the Pacers showcases his growth and development as a player in the league. He was voted the NBA’s Most Improved Player in 2019, a testament to his hard work and dedication to the game.
Pascal Siakam’s decision to commit long-term to the Indiana Pacers signifies a new chapter in his career. With his talent, work ethic, and drive to succeed, Siakam has the potential to elevate the Pacers to new heights in the NBA. As he embarks on this new journey with the Pacers, all eyes will be on Siakam to see how he continues to make his mark on the league.