July 12, 2025, Indianapolis, IN The Indiana Pacers have taken a risky and decisive step to establish themselves as one of the best in the NBA. The team formally announced on Friday afternoon that they had signed Pascal Siakam, a two-time All-Star, to a historic four-year contract worth $109 million, solidifying the player as a key component of their future.
The agreement follows months of conjecture on Siakam’s future after he was traded from the Toronto Raptors to Indiana in the middle of the season. Siakam was instrumental in the Pacers’ run to the Eastern Conference Finals in the 2024–2025 season, where they forced the eventual champions to play six games. He was a crucial component due to his two-way ability, senior leadership, and rapport with franchise point guard Tyrese Haliburton.
A Dedication to Winning Speaking excitedly about the signing, Kevin Pritchard, President of Basketball Operations, said, “Pascal has proven to be everything we hoped for and more.” On and off the court, he is a great person, a leader, and a competitor. Our belief in him as a long-term member of our core and an essential component of our championship hopes is reflected in this arrangement.
Siakam is locked in for the 2028–2029 season by the four-year, $109 million deal, which also contains a partial no-trade clause and performance incentives. It’s a big commitment from a team that is obviously focused on building on the success of the previous campaign.
The Comeback of Siakam Siakam has averaged 21.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game while shooting 49.8% from the field since joining the Pacers in January 2025. His ability to defend several positions, score at all three levels, and create offensive flow turned Indiana from a youthful, promising squad into a serious contender.
“”This place feels like a home to me,” Siakam stated at a press conference on Friday night. I’ve had nothing but love and support from the coaching staff, my teammates, and the supporters. This club has a unique quality, and I want to help Indiana win a title.”
Known by his nickname, “Spicy P,” the Cameroonian forward joined the NBA as a late first-round selection in 2016 and immediately established himself as one of the best forwards in the game with the Toronto Raptors. He was named All-NBA in 2020 and played a key role in their run to the 2019 NBA Championship. A new chapter in his career, characterized by leadership, maturity, and a renewed drive for achievement, has begun with his relocation to Indiana.
An Offseason with a Strategic Focus The Pacers’ choice to extend Siakam is the main event in a hectic and well-planned offseason. In addition to Siakam and Haliburton, Indiana has added seasoned shooting and rim protection through targeted free agency signings, while also keeping important young players like Andrew Nembhard and Bennedict Mathurin.
Entering his sixth season with the team, coach Rick Carlisle commended the executive office’s vision, saying, “We have a chance to do something special here.” Pascal’s return communicates to the league and our club that we’re not content with merely making a long playoff run. Our goal is to win everything.
Effect on the Eastern Conference The Pacers were immediately seen as a top threat in the Eastern Conference by executives and observers, and the move had an immediate impact on the league. Given the summertime changes made by the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and New York Knicks, Indiana’s choice to focus on their core could be what makes them stand out.
“Siakam is a player who improves everyone around him,” said Jalen Rose
, a former NBA coach and current ESPN analyst. This is a fantastic deal for Indiana and demonstrates their commitment to competing with the best in the East.
Leave a Reply