The Indiana Pacers made a surprising run through the Eastern Conference Playoffs. Reaching the Eastern Conference Finals, they battled valiantly with the heavily favored Boston Celtics. While three of the four games went down to the wire, Indiana lost them all and was swept.
They will now prepare for an important offseason to attempt to take that next step. This is a franchise that is still looking for its first NBA championship (they won three in the ABA). Their only NBA Finals appearance came in 2000 when they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers. Here are some of the Pacers’ key free agents in the offseason.
Who Are The Pacers Key Free Agents This Offseason?
Pascal Siakam, PF (Age: 30)
In the middle of January, the Pacers acquired Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors. The move was made in part to pair point guard Tyrese Haliburton with another All-Star level player.
Pacers forward Pascal Siakam on free agency: “All I can say is that it’s been a blessing. I’m really appreciative of everything. I think coming from where I come from, it means a lot. The support I’ve received here is something that I was kind of missing. Having all that, seeing… pic.twitter.com/cYdW5K6yGP
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) May 28, 2024
The 6-8” forward seemed to fit seamlessly with Indiana, helping guide the team to the Eastern Conference Finals. In 41 regular season games with the Pacers, he averaged 21.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. The eight-year veteran shot 54.9% from the field, 38.6% from beyond the arc, and 69.9% from the foul line. His numbers stayed fairly constant once the playoffs began (although his accuracy dipped from three-point range).
According to Bobby Marks of ESPN, Siakam will be eligible to sign a deal for up to five years and $245 million. Being the Pacers gave up three first- round picks in the trade to bring Siakam to town, expect them to do all they can to keep him around.
Obi Toppin, PF (Age: 26 – Restricted)
Last offseason, the Pacers brought Obi Toppin to the fold in a trade with the New York Knicks where they gave up two future second-round picks. The eighth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Toppin played his first three seasons with New York. With Indiana playing at such a fast pace, it fit the athletic 6-9” forward well. Toppin was utilized as a starter for much of the beginning of the season before being moved into a reserve role after the deal for Siakam.
Playing in all 82 regular season games, Toppin posted averages of 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. He also shot career-bests from the field (57.3%) and three-point range (40.3%). With a large deal for Siakam likely, and the team also rostering 2023 eighth overall pick Jarace Walker (who plays the same position), it will be interesting to see if Indiana deems Toppin as important to bring back.
Jalen Smith, C (Age: 24 – Player Option)
Jalen Smith has a player option for nearly $5.5 million next season. Utilized as the backup center for much of the regular season, Smith was usurped by Isaiah Jackson in the playoffs.
Selected 10th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft, Smith started 14 games this season and 31 in 2022-23 for the Pacers. The 6-10” center averaged 9.9 points and 5.5 rebounds in 2023-24 but played just 42 total minutes in the postseason.
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