Thunder F Gordon HaywardJesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images
According to ESPN’ Bobby Marks, the Pacers can sign Siakam to a five-year, $247 million deal this summer. Indy’s approach to free agency could change drastically depending on whether or not that deal gets done.
If the Pacers focus on retaining Siakam, Toppin and the rest of their core, they’re likely to land in the non-taxpayer’s mid-level exception range. Oklahoma City Thunder forward Gordon Hayward could be a terrific target on a relatively team-friendly deal.
Hayward is a role-versatile player who would aid the Pacers with rangy shooting, rebounding and depth. The fact that this would be a homecoming of sorts for the 34-year-old—who played his high school and college ball in Indiana—would be a bonus.
Philadelphia 76ers guard De’Anthony Melton, who played on a modest $8 million salary this past season, is a 3-and-D option Indiana should heavily consider.
If the Pacers choose to buck their recent trends and go after a big name on the open market, a reunion with Los Angeles Clippers standout Paul George might be in the cards. George has a player option with the Clippers for the 2024-25 season, but there’s no guarantee that he will opt in or extend this summer.
The Sixers have been linked to George, and Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer reported in early February that the nine-time All-Star could find Indy a suitable destination.
“There have been growing whispers not only of Philadelphia’s eye toward George, but also George’s own intrigue by returning to Indiana and becoming the latest running mate for Tyrese Haliburton alongside Siakam,” Fischer wrote.
George was drafted by the Pacers 10th overall in 2010 and played for the franchise until he was dealt to the Thunder in 2017. George returning to help the Pacers chase a title would instantly become one of the offseason’s top storylines.
*Cap and contract information via Spotrac.
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