Pacers Lock in All-Star Forward Pascal Siakam with Four-Year, $189.5 Million Max Extension
The Indiana Pacers have solidified their core for the foreseeable future, agreeing to a four-year, $189.5 million maximum contract extension with star forward Pascal Siakam. The deal, first reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, will keep the 30-year-old Siakam in Indianapolis alongside rising star Tyrese Haliburton through the 2027-28 season.
This extension represents a significant coup for the Pacers, who acquired Siakam in a midseason trade with the Toronto Raptors back in January 2024. The move paid immediate dividends, as Siakam’s two-way impact helped propel the Pacers to a 47-35 record and an appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals, where they ultimately fell to the eventual NBA champion Boston Celtics.
Siakam’s stellar play during the Pacers’ playoff run, where he averaged 21.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, was enough to convince the organization to make a long-term commitment to the versatile forward. [1][2][3][4][5]
“Pascal has been an integral part of our success since joining the team, and we’re thrilled to have him as a cornerstone of our franchise moving forward,” said Pacers President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard. “His combination of skill, athleticism, and two-way impact makes him an ideal fit alongside Tyrese Haliburton as we continue to build a contender in the Eastern Conference.”
Siakam, who was named to the All-NBA Second Team in 2019-20 and the All-NBA Third Team in 2021-22, has blossomed into one of the league’s most well-rounded forwards. In 41 games with the Pacers last season, he averaged 21.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, shooting an efficient 54.9% from the field and 38.6% from three-point range.
His defensive versatility and ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor were crucial factors in the Pacers’ success. Prior to Siakam’s arrival, the team’s defense ranked 26th in the league, but it improved to 18th after the trade deadline, with Siakam’s presence making a significant difference on the perimeter.
“Being here, the home games, it’s incredible,” Siakam said after the season. “How could you not be a part of that? The fans, the energy, the culture – it’s something special, and I’m excited to be a part of it for the long haul.”
Siakam’s commitment to the Pacers organization and the city of Indianapolis was a key factor in the team’s ability to secure the extension. The Cameroonian forward expressed his desire to remain with the team and build upon the success they achieved in the 2023-24 campaign.
“Pascal has been a tremendous addition to our team, both on and off the court,” said Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle. “His work ethic, leadership, and two-way impact have been invaluable, and we’re thrilled to have him as a cornerstone of our franchise for years to come.”
The Pacers’ decision to trade for Siakam in January 2024 was a bold move that has now paid significant dividends. The team parted ways with several key assets, including a first-round pick, to acquire the four-time All-Star, but the gamble has clearly paid off.
Siakam’s extension, coupled with the continued development of Tyrese Haliburton, who was named to the All-NBA Third Team this past season, solidifies the Pacers as a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference. The duo’s complementary skills and two-way impact make them one of the most formidable tandems in the league.
“Tyrese and I have developed a great chemistry on and off the court, and I’m excited to continue building something special here in Indiana,” Siakam said. “We have a talented group of guys, a passionate fan base, and a coaching staff that pushes us to be our best every single day. I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together in the years ahead.”
With Siakam and Haliburton leading the way, the Pacers will look to build on their success from last season and make a deep playoff run in the 2024-25 campaign. The team’s front office has expressed a commitment to surrounding the duo with the necessary pieces to compete for a championship, and the Siakam extension is a significant step in that direction.
“This is a pivotal moment in the history of our franchise,” said Pacers owner Herb Simon. “Securing Pascal Siakam’s long-term future with the team is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire organization. We believe in this group, and we’re committed to doing whatever it takes to bring a championship to Indiana.”
As the Pacers enter the offseason, the focus will shift to complementing Siakam and Haliburton with the right supporting cast. The team has several key free agents to address, including veteran guard Buddy Hield, and will likely explore the trade and free-agent markets to bolster their roster.
Nonetheless, the Siakam extension represents a significant milestone for the Pacers, who have struggled to retain star-caliber talent in recent years. The team’s ability to lock in Siakam, a proven All-Star, sends a strong message about their commitment to building a sustainable contender in the Eastern Conference.
“This is just the beginning,” Siakam said. “We have the pieces in place to do something special here, and I’m honored to be a part of it. The city of Indianapolis, the Pacers organization, and our fans deserve a championship, and that’s what we’re going to work towards every single day.”
With Siakam and Haliburton leading the way, the Pacers have positioned themselves as a team to watch in the Eastern Conference for years to come. The future is bright in Indianapolis, and the Siakam extension is a clear statement of intent from a franchise determined to return to the NBA’s elite.