The Pacers can now officially negotiate with Pascal Siakam to re-sign him

The 2023-24 NBA season is now over. Boston won the championship after taking care of the Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals and then mowing through the Mavs. With the conclusion of the season now upon us, teams can start negotiating with their free agents.

While teams can't re-sign anyone officially until July 6th, teams can negotiate with all free agents starting June 30th. The Pacers are hoping that doesn't happen when it comes to Pascal Siakam. He is their biggest priority this offseason after trading three first-round picks to get him during the year.

Siakam made the Pacers significantly better than they were before the trade and was a big reason why they were able to make the Eastern Conference Finals. He gives them a second star to pair with Tyrese Haliburton and gives them some length on the wing.

The Pacers will likely give Pascal Siakam a max contract offer

It has been reported that the Pacers will likely offer Siakam a max contract over five years. That will take a large chunk of their cap space away, but it's a deal that is worth it. He gives them something that they didn't have before; a reliable midrange scorer and a paint savant.

While Siakam isn't an elite defender, he's certainly better than Obi Toppin, who was the starter at power forward prior to Siakam's arrival. He's also just longer, which bothers players' shots more. When the offense bogs down, he can make tough shots at the end of the shot clock.

It's widely expected that Siakam will re-sign with Indiana and commit to them long-term. He liked his time in Indiana and loved the support the fans gave him. He also would be playing for a team that is an NBA title contender and the team that can offer him the most money.

Siakam is the first domino to fall in free agency for the Pacers. Once that piece is done, they can move on to other guys who can help put them over the hump.