3 Potential free agent Pacers targets with ties to Pascal Siakam
By Ryan Stano
![May 6, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) controls the ball against Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) during the second quarter of game one of the second round of the 2024 NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports May 6, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) controls the ball against Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) during the second quarter of game one of the second round of the 2024 NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_4676,h_2630,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/105/01hzngc2jq4mfycqwekx.jpg)
2. Gary Trent Jr.
A more affordable option for the Pacers would be Gary Trent Jr. he might only command something along the lines of $18 million per year. That would give Indiana a little more flexibility in terms of its cap sheet. Trent Jr. is also younger than OG, which is a plus.
We talked about Trent Jr. recently and what value he brings. He's a decent-sized guard who can make three-point shots on offense and who won't get bullied on defense. If he started next to Tyrese Haliburton, he would be able to negate a lot of hunting by opposing offenses.
The Pacers need more players in their starting lineup that opposing teams can't hunt. Tyrese Haliburton will continue to get hunted unless he gets stronger. But as the offensive engine, that's a tradeoff Indiana is willing to make. Andrew Nembhard is feisty, but not tall enough to withstand some switches. We saw what Jalen Brunson did to him.
Aaron Nesmith is a solid wing defender, but even he doesn't have the size to deal with the likes of the better wings in the East. Paring someone like Trent Jr. with Nesmith would give them better odds though. He can switch on most actions.
The issue is that Trent Jr. is a guard who is just marginally better in totality than Andrew Nembhard and he will be more expensive. It may not make sense for the Pacers to offer him a significant deal. Still, if Siakam demanded that they sign him, I'm sure something could get worked out.
The final player on this list is someone who would be an incredible signing for the Pacers because he's big on the outside and he's a veteran to give them some leadership.