Pascal Siakam Trade Rumors: Pacers Confident Star Would Sign New Contract If Acquired

The Indiana Pacers have reportedly been involved in trade discussions with the Toronto Raptors regarding star forward Pascal Siakam, and it doesn't sound like they're worried about losing Siakam at the end of the season if they land him.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, the Pacers "feel pretty strongly" that if the trade is completed, they will be able to re-sign Siakam, who is an impending free agent.

Charania and Sam Amick reported on Tuesday that the Pacers are "actively engaged in trade talks" with the Raptors centered around Siakam for a package that includes veteran wing Bruce Brown Jr., other salaries and three first-round draft picks.

Toronto has also fielded interest from other teams regarding Siakam, with the Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks reportedly among those exploring the possibility of acquiring the two-time All-Star.

However, Siakam is making $38 million this season in the final year of his contract, so the uncertainty surrounding whether or not he will re-sign has caused some teams to hesitate in their pursuit of him. Amick reported last week that the Kings "have very little—if any—optimism" about potentially re-signing Siakam this summer if they were to acquire him before the Feb. 8 trade deadline.

That leaves the Pacers in the driver's seat, as the Raptors are unlikely to receive a better offer than Indiana's three first-round picks.

The Pacers are hoping to find a star to pair with rising point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who leads the league with an average of 12.5 assists this season. Adding a player of Siakam's caliber would put another reliable option next to Haliburton and help Indiana potentially end its three-year playoff drought.