The Indiana Pacers pulled off a blockbuster trade to land Pascal Siakam. The two-time All-Star pairs with Tyrese Haliburton to improve the team's playoff odds in Indiana. Head coach Rick Carlisle is known for maximizing his roster, and he now has a dynamic one-two punch at his disposal.
The Pacers wasted zero time in acquiring Siakam. They could have waited until Feb. 8 and hoped the price would come down, but Indiana wants to win. It meant parting with three first-round picks, Bruce Brown, and Jordan Nwora, but the Pacers got their man.
It is a tight race in the Eastern Conference from two through seven. The Pacers want to avoid the Play-In Tournament. Getting Siakam was a massive boost, but Indiana must make more moves if they want to be true title contenders.
5. Sign Pascal Siakam long-term in the offseason
Siakam becomes a free agent in the 2024 offseason and wants a max contract. Adrian Wojnarowski reported that he is eager to sign a new deal with the Pacers when eligible, but it has to happen. If not, this turns into a disastrous move for Indiana. Giving up three first-round picks and a key defender for a few months of an All-Star cannot happen, especially for the Pacers who struggle to land free agents.
This is the most important move for the Indiana Pacers right now. It falls here because it sounds like a virtual done deal, but the franchise needs to do its part. They have to win down the stretch and prove to Siakam that this is the best place for him moving forward.
Pascal Siakam cannot be the only piece the Pacers add. They need to remain active in upgrading their roster around their new star duo.
4. Trade T.J. McConnell
McConnell has been mentioned in trade rumors for months. He started the year on the fringes of the rotation, but Haliburton's injury has given him a consistent role. The veteran is a strong floor general who could help a contender if the Pacers decide to move on.
McConnell is owed $8.7 million this season with $5 million guaranteed for 2024-25. Andrew Nembhard was coach Carlisle’s preferred backup to Haliburton to begin the year, and the 23-year-old is still getting better. The Pacers cannot afford to pay their third-string point guard $9.3 million next season, and the franchise should look try to trade McConnell before the deadline.
Indiana has several crucial roster decisions to make in the coming months. Are they willing to pay the luxury tax to keep Siakam and Buddy Hield in Indy? If not, how can they get enough talent to become serious contenders to win the Eastern Conference? Clearing McConnell’s salary helps, but the Pacers should not expect a massive return.
The Indiana Pacers could package McConnell with Buddy Hield or another contract and look to go all-in on a third star or they may choose to trade him with draft capital for a rotation piece. It is all about putting the best possible roster around Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam.
3. Trade Buddy Hield to open minutes for young talent
The Pacers were rumored to be shopping Hield (subscription required) before the Siakam trade went down. Indiana has plenty of young wing talent, and they failed to reach an extension with Hield before the start of the regular season. The 31-year-old sharpshooter is expected to become a free agent this summer and wants more than the Pacers are willing to offer.
Bennedict Mathurin, Aaron Nesmith, Andrew Nembhard, and Jarace Walker are all hungry for more playing time, and they are the Pacers' future. Each is 24 years old or younger and figures to be a crucial piece of their core as they try to build around Tyrese Haliburton and Siakam.
Indiana still has a first-round draft pick to pair with Hield to improve their return. The Pacers filled their need at the four, but they must improve their defense to become true title contenders. Can they use Hield’s $19.2 million expiring salary with a first-round pick to get another piece? Kevin Pritchard and the front office should certainly explore the market.
Having two stars on their roster may change how players view the Indiana Pacers. They may not be a free-agent destination, but the franchise could find a key veteran to fill one of their open spots.
2. Sign a veteran free agent to round out their roster
Pascal Siakam turns 30 in April and is the third-oldest player on the Pacers' current roster. Buddy Hield and T.J. McConnell are both 31. Myles Turner is the only other player over 25 years old. They are a young team with limited playoff experience. Siakam won a championship with the Raptors in 2019, but it was before he became a star. The Pacers desperately need some veteran experience on their bench for when things ratchet up in the postseason.
Acquiring Siakam opened two roster spots in Indiana. The Pacers had to waive James Johnson to make the transaction, and he could be brought back to round out their roster. Still, Indiana would like to add a veteran role player, who makes a bit more on-court impact.
The Pacers are still $24 million under the luxury tax, which makes them eligible to sign any player who gets bought out. Players making more than the mid-level exception cannot agree to deals with teams over either apron. Indiana with Siakam could represent the best shot for a veteran who gets bought out making over $12.4 million to compete for a championship.
The Indiana Pacers may find a veteran in free agency or via the buyout market, but they have a massive hole on their roster to fill before the Feb. 8 trade deadline.
1. Find Bruce Brown's replacement
The Pacers cannot contend with the Celtics, Bucks, and 76ers if they remain 27th in defensive rating. Siakam should help matters. He is a 6’8 forward who can defend multiple positions, but the two-time All-Star will not completely remake their unit.
Indiana needs a perimeter defensive stopper in the backcourt. Bruce Brown is an elite defender, but the 6’4 guard was not enough by himself. With Myles Turner protecting the rim and Siakam taking the opposition’s top wing scorer, the Pacers have the makings of an average or better defense with a strong on-ball defender.
They should be looking to trade Buddy Hield and draft capital for an elite defender. Indiana tried to land OG Anunoby, and they would prefer to snag someone who is 6’6-plus to improve their depth and versatility on defense. Ideally, he would be a strong shooter who can help space the floor on the other end.
The Indiana Pacers acquired a star, and looks like they will keep him long-term. Can they become title contenders with Haliburton and Siakam leading the way? It will be fascinating to watch, and fans should stay tuned to see if the front office makes another move before the Feb. 8 trade deadline.