It's only a matter of time before Pascal Siakam is the center of attention on the trade market.
The Indiana Pacers are 1-9 to begin the season and are not likely to be competitive for the rest of the way (though this might be exactly what they want anyway). Plus, even when Tyrese Haliburton returns from his Achilles injury, it may take him an extra year or so to return to form, if he ever does.
Because of this, some may immediately look to Siakam as a potential trade candidate. He is going to be 32 years old when Haliburton returns. And if the Wisconsin native takes a while to look like his old self, Siakam may be 33 or even 34 years old by the time the Pacers are truly ready to compete for a championship again.
The Cameroon native has already proved he can elevate to star status when the team needs him to, and it's clear he can contribute to winning basketball, especially in the playoffs. Naturally, other contending teams may keep an eye on his status moving forward in case Indiana opts to re-tool, especially since it may look to remain under the luxury tax moving forward (Siakam is in the second year of his four-year, $188.9 million contract).
However, unless the Pacers get a truly insane offer, they can't give up on the Siakam and Haliburton duo. At least not until fans get to see them playing together again. It's the least they deserve after an NBA Finals appearance.
Could the Pacers really trade Pascal Siakam?
Trading Siakam might not be the worst idea in the world. At least on paper.
He is on a big contract, yet the Pacers are not going to be legitimate contenders for at least one more year. Additionally, some could say that he is in his peak now and might be in the midst of a career year, so Indiana may be able to get maximum value for him in a return in a potential trade. Trading Siakam could give the team much more financial flexibility and a lot of long-term assets, whether it be via draft capital or other players.
They still shouldn't do it, though.
Siakam has already solidifed himself as one of the best Pacers in modern history, and he has been crucial to their recent success. In his two seasons with the team, Indiana made it to the conference finals each time and was just one win away from winning it all in 2025. The Pacers do not go that far without the three-time All-Star on the roster.
He and Haliburton are a fantastic duo who complement each other very well. It's clear that they have chemistry and the ultimate trust in one another on the court, which is a big reason they play well alongside each other.
It may not happen for a little while, but once Haliburton comes back, the Pacers are going to be ready to go championship hunting once again. But for them to ensure as much immediate success as possible, they need to keep Siakam around. This duo has proven to be successful together, and they have the potential to continue making some magic in Indiana.
The Pacers cannot trade Siakam any time soon, no matter how tempting it may be.