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NBA Rumors: Pascal Siakam to Get Max Contract Offer from Pacers in 2024 Free Agency

Tyler Conway@@jtylerconwayX.com LogoFeatured Columnist IVMay 28, 2024

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MAY 27: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Indiana Pacers looks to pass against Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics during the first quarter in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 27, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
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The Indiana Pacers are reportedly expected to offer Pascal Siakam a max contract this summer in free agency.

Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium said re-signing Siakam is the Pacers' "biggest priority" of the offseason.

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"[The Pacers] biggest priority is bringing back Pascal Siakam" 🤝<a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShamsCharania</a> on the offseason plans for the Indiana Pacers <a href="https://t.co/sjr3Gu0oNk">pic.twitter.com/sjr3Gu0oNk</a>

Siakam is eligible for a five-year, $245 million contract this summer. A full five-year max would take Siakam through his 35th birthday.

The Pacers sent Bruce Brown, Jordan Nwora, Kira Lewis Jr. and three first-round picks to the Toronto Raptors for Siakam in January. Two of those first-round picks convey this year in a weak draft. The final first-rounder is a protected pick (Nos. 1-4) in 2026 and 2027. If the Pacers draft in the top four in 2026 and 2027, the last pick converts to a pair of second-round picks.

Siakam averaged 21.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 41 regular-season games with the Pacers. A two-time All-Star, he has settled into a tier of players who are hard to evaluate. He's very good at a number of things but elite at none. It's hard to justify paying a player of Siakam's caliber nearly $50 million a season, but the Pacers are not a free-agent destination, and he appears to enjoy playing in Indiana.

"It's been a blessing," Siakam told reporters Monday night. "I'm really appreciative of everything. Coming from where I come from, it means a lot."

Indiana could have competition in the open market if Siakam wants to explore his options. The Philadelphia 76ers are armed with cap space, a title-contending roster and were reportedly interested in trading for Siakam before he was sent to Indiana. The Sixers can only offer Siakam four years and $183.2 million if they hope to sign him outright.

It's hard to imagine Siakam turning down an extra $60-plus million if it's on the table.