The Indiana Pacers‘ playoff run ended abruptly with a 0-4 sweep against the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals. Despite their best efforts, the Pacers couldn’t overcome the absence of key players like Tyrese Haliburton, and Boston’s stars were simply too much to handle. Now, as the offseason looms, the Pacers are gearing up to offer Pascal Siakam a max contract. They’re banking on his stellar playoff performance, where he averaged 21.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game over 17 games.
But Siakam’s journey to Indiana was far from smooth. He was almost traded to the Sacramento Kings just weeks before landing with the Pacers. That deal fell through, and he found himself in Indiana, a team that quickly saw him as a key part of their future plans. The idea of a long-term extension in Indiana was attractive, but it came with the pressure of living up to high expectations and making a deep playoff run.
Now that the Pacers’ season is over, there are questions about what comes next. Siakam, known for his versatility and high basketball IQ, might be looking at his options if things don’t work out with Indiana. If the negotiations hit a roadblock, several other teams would love to have him. Siakam could fit perfectly with a team aiming for a playoff push or one needing a veteran leader to guide their younger players. His impact would be huge, no matter where he goes.
1. Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers are in a great spot this offseason with a projected cap space of around $60-67 million. This gives them the flexibility to go after big names to support Joel Embiid. Pascal Siakam could be the perfect fit, bringing versatility and skill to complement Embiid’s powerhouse presence in the paint.
The 76ers had a tough playoff run this year, getting knocked out in the first round by the Knicks. It’s clear they need to shake things up to get back on track. With only Embiid, Paul Reed, and the upcoming extension for Tyrese Maxey on the books, they’ve got plenty of room to make some big moves.
Rumor has it that the Sixers are eyeing stars like Paul George and Klay Thompson. If those don’t pan out, Zach LaVine is a backup plan. But honestly, Siakam might be an even better fit. He can play multiple positions, has a high basketball IQ, and knows how to perform under playoff pressure.
Pairing Siakam with Embiid would give the Sixers a dynamic duo in the frontcourt, boosting their scoring, defense, and rebounding. With Siakam on board, Philly could make a serious push in the playoffs and maybe even contend for that elusive championship.
2. Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic are set to have a promising offseason with around $51-58 million in projected cap space. This financial room puts them in an excellent position to pursue top-tier talent to complement their young core, particularly Paolo Banchero.
Orlando had a decent playoff run this year but fell short in the first round, losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a seven-game series. Their young roster showed potential, but it was evident that they needed a veteran presence to guide them and push the team to the next level. Enter Pascal Siakam.
Siakam would be an ideal fit next to Banchero in the frontcourt. His experience, versatility, and ability to play both forward positions would not only provide leadership but also balance out the team’s scoring and defensive capabilities. Adding Siakam to a lineup that includes Banchero, Franz Wagner, and potentially Jalen Suggs, would make the Magic a more competitive and well-rounded team.
Rumors have linked the Magic to other big names like Klay Thompson and D’Angelo Russell, indicating their intent to bring in veteran talent to support their young stars. However, Siakam’s proven track record in the playoffs and his two-way skills make him a particularly attractive option for Orlando.
With their significant cap space and a clear need for experienced leadership, the Magic are poised to make some impactful moves this offseason. If they manage to land Siakam, it could be the key to transforming them from a promising young team into a legitimate contender.
3. Golden State Warriors
*Sign-and-Trade deal with the Pacers
Potential Trade Offer For Pascal Siakam: Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, 2027 First-Round Pick
The Golden State Warriors had a tough season, failing to make the playoffs after losing to the Sacramento Kings in the play-in tournament. This offseason, they need to make some big moves to get back on track. One potential move is targeting Pascal Siakam, who would bring much-needed skill and experience to their frontcourt.
The Warriors struggled this season, with Andrew Wiggins underperforming, averaging just 13.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. His hefty contract makes him a prime candidate for a trade. Jonathan Kuminga, on the other hand, showed promise, averaging 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists. Including him sweetens the deal, offering the Pacers a future star.
Pascal Siakam would be an excellent addition to the Warriors, filling their need for a high-caliber forward. His ability to play both power forward and center would provide Golden State with flexibility in their lineups. Pairing Siakam with Draymond Green and Stephen Curry could reignite the Warriors’ championship aspirations.
Siakam’s new deal would likely be around $40 million per year for four seasons, totaling $160 million. The Pacers could sign him to this contract and then execute a sign-and-trade with the Warriors. This way, the Warriors get a proven star to help them contend immediately. Siakam’s playoff experience and two-way play make him a perfect fit for Steve Kerr’s system. The Pacers, in return, get a solid player in Wiggins, a promising talent in Kuminga, and a future first-round pick, allowing them to continue building for the future.
4. Chicago Bulls
*Sign-and-Trade deal with the Pacers
Potential Trade Offer For Pascal Siakam: DeMar DeRozan, Patrick Williams, 2025 First-Round Pick
The Chicago Bulls ended the 2024 season with a 39-43 record, finishing 9th in the Eastern Conference and missing the playoffs. DeMar DeRozan, who averaged 24.0 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.3 rebounds in 79 games, is set to become an unrestricted free agent (UFA). The Bulls are looking to renew his contract but might consider a sign-and-trade deal for Pascal Siakam, who, at 30 years old, offers a younger and versatile option compared to the 34-year-old DeRozan.
Siakam would fit perfectly alongside Zach LaVine, Lonzo Ball, and Nikola Vucevic, adding much-needed firepower and defense to the lineup. Despite Patrick Williams showing potential, averaging 10.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 43 games, he hasn’t quite developed as expected for a No. 4 draft pick.
Siakam could be signed to a contract around $40 million per year for four seasons, totaling $160 million. The Pacers can then execute a sign-and-trade, sending Siakam to the Bulls in exchange for DeRozan, Williams, and a future first-round pick. This move would provide the Pacers with a veteran scorer in DeRozan and a young prospect in Williams, potentially helping them make another deep playoff run.
The Bulls would gain a dynamic forward in Siakam, capable of playing both ends of the floor effectively. This addition could reignite their competitiveness in the Eastern Conference, especially with the anticipated return of Lonzo Ball. For the Pacers, acquiring DeRozan provides an immediate scoring boost, while Williams offers long-term potential. This trade scenario could be a win-win, setting both teams up for future success.
5. Sacramento Kings
*Sign-and-Trade deal with the Pacers
Potential Trade Offer For Pascal Siakam: Harrison Barnes, Keegan Murray, 2029 First-Round Pick
The Sacramento Kings had a rollercoaster season, finishing with a 46-36 record but ultimately getting eliminated by the New Orleans Pelicans in the play-in tournament. As they look to improve their roster, a trade for Pascal Siakam could be a game-changer.
Pascal Siakam would provide the Kings with a significant boost in the frontcourt alongside De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. His versatility and experience would complement the team’s core and add a new dimension to their offensive and defensive schemes.
Sacramento doesn’t have much cap space, so a sign-and-trade is the most feasible way to acquire Siakam. The Pacers could sign Siakam to a deal worth approximately $40 million per year for four seasons, totaling $160 million, and then trade him to the Kings.
Harrison Barnes had a solid season but wasn’t the impact player the Kings needed to advance further in the playoffs. Keegan Murray, who averaged 15.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists, showed promise but hasn’t yet developed into the star they hoped for when they drafted him.
Siakam, at 30, offers a blend of experience and versatility that could help the Kings break through to the next level. This trade would provide Sacramento with a high-caliber player capable of making a significant impact on both ends of the floor.
For the Pacers, acquiring Barnes and Murray would give them a reliable veteran and a young player with potential, while the future first-round pick adds to their assets. This could help the Pacers build a more competitive team around Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner.
