INDIANAPOLIS — Following their acquisition of Pascal Siakam from the Raptors in January, the Pacers have been subtly pitching to him as free agency approaches at the end of June. Now, as the season concludes, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle announced during his exit interview on Tuesday that they will ramp up their recruitment efforts.
“We are taking the crucial step of actively recruiting Pascal Siakam,” Carlisle stated when asked about their plans to build on their Eastern Conference finals run. “This process starts today with exit meetings. He’s an exceptional player who made a significant impact on our team. Acquiring him in late January was instrumental in our playoff success. It’s important to let him know how valued he is. Today is about reinforcing that he’s a cornerstone for us.”
The Pacers hold Siakam’s Larry Bird rights, allowing them to offer a five-year contract compared to the standard four-year deal. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Indiana plans to extend a max contract, beginning at around $42 million per year, reflecting Siakam’s contributions and potential.
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While Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan did not confirm the max contract offer, he acknowledged Siakam’s impact. “Pascal was a perfect fit for us. We targeted him in the trade and have admired him for a long time. He’s been a tremendous asset on and off the court, particularly in guiding our young players. His playoff performance showcased his value, and we hope to continue this positive partnership.”
Siakam’s tenure with the Pacers saw him lead the team in scoring during the regular season and playoffs, demonstrating his versatility and leadership. Despite his contract status, Siakam has expressed gratitude for the support in Indiana.
“All the support here has been incredible,” Siakam remarked. “From day one, I’ve felt valued and supported. After spending my entire career in Toronto, this transition has been smoother thanks to the positive environment here.”
All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who recently signed a max contract extension, is enthusiastic about retaining Siakam. “Bringing Pascal back is a priority. He’s a fantastic addition to our team. I’ll be reaching out to him constantly because having him in a Pacers jersey is what we all want.”
The Pacers’ focused recruitment signals their commitment to building a competitive roster for the upcoming season, with Siakam at the forefront of their plans.
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