The Indiana Pacers exceeded the expectations of most by reaching the Eastern Conference Finals on the backs of Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam.
Although the Pacers were swept by the Boston Celtics to end their season, the future is bright, assuming they’re able to re-sign Siakam. Indiana’s front office took the risk of acquiring the former Toronto Raptors forward at the trade deadline for a four-month rental, which worked out in the short term but must now produce big-picture success. The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that their “biggest priority is bringing back Pascal Siakam.”
With championship expectations on their shoulders for next season, here’s a look at the Pacers’ top-three potential offseason acquisitions (assuming Siakam returns to Indiana on a max deal).
Gordon Hayward
One of the most disappointing mid-season deals was Gordon Hayward joining the title-contending Thunder. The accomplished veteran averaged 5.3 points in 17.2 minutes in 26 regular-season games and went scoreless in 46 minutes of postseason action. Even Thunder general manager Sam Presti described the move as a miss.
"I missed on that. That's on me. But I'm learning..." Presti said. "I don't think I read that one perfect."
Hayward will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, and he could be a perfect addition for the Pacers. Signing Hayward to a team-friendly deal is a low-risk, high-reward move. His time with the Charlotte Hornets last season was promising, as he averaged 14.5 points and 4.7 rebounds on 46.8% shooting in 25 appearances. The off-court impact could also be valuable to a relatively young Indiana squad. Hayward has been linked to the Pacers for years since it's where he grew up and attended college, so perhaps this is the offseason when he finally returns home.
Andrew Wiggins
Two seasons removed from a starting spot in the NBA All-Star Game, Andrew Wiggins had arguably the worst year of his career with the Golden State Warriors. He averaged a career-low in points (13.2), paving the way for an appealing asking price for the Pacers.
While Bennedict Mathurin or Jarace Walker could develop into Wiggins' archetype (a two-way athletic wing) in the near future, adding the 29-year-old who's already in his prime is an ideal short-term option that could help Indiana win now.
The Warriors could be open to moving off Wiggins' contract, which will pay him $26,276,786 in 2024-25 and $28,223,215 in 2025-26 (with a $30,169,644 player option in 2026-27).
Pacome Dadiet
While it seems unlikely that the Pacers will trade up into the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft, Pacome Dadiet’s fit with the team is too intriguing not to discuss. The 6-foot-8 French forward is known for his shooting versatility and high-driving motor.
He only averaged 6.4 points on 45.2% shooting in 18 appearances for the Ratiopharm Ulm in the Eurocup league, but the 18-year-old has a ton of potential.
Throughout the NBA pre-draft process, Dadiet has drawn comparisons to Michael Beasley and Wilson Chandler.
