The Indiana Pacers are reportedly prioritizing the re-signing of Pascal Siakam this offseason, according to sources cited by Shams Charania of The Athletic. The plan is to offer Siakam a maximum contract worth $245 million over five years, ensuring he remains a key contributor alongside Tyrese Haliburton in the Pacers' lineup.

The news doesn't come as a surprise to those within the league, as there has been little speculation about Siakam's desire to explore free agency. The only question remained whether the Pacers would attempt to negotiate a discounted deal. However, it now seems that they are willing to commit to a max contract for the talented forward.

Siakam's impact on the Pacers was immediately felt after the trade deadline. He averaged 21.3 points and 7.8 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 38.6% from beyond the arc. Furthermore, Siakam significantly bolstered Indiana's defense, leading to a marked improvement in their overall performance. He also played a crucial role in guiding the Pacers to the Eastern Conference Finals, where he averaged 21.6 points and 7.5 rebounds per game during the postseason.

With Siakam set to receive a lucrative contract and Haliburton potentially qualifying for a Rose Rule supermax due to his All-NBA status, the Pacers will have a sizable financial burden in the upcoming years. The team currently has Myles Turner under contract for $19.9 million next season, and they will also need to consider costly extensions for players like Andrew Nembhard and Bennedict Mathurin in the near future.

Despite these financial considerations, the Pacers are willing to invest in their core lineup to maintain their competitiveness in the Eastern Conference race. The prospect of having Siakam alongside Haliburton provides optimism for the team's success in the coming seasons.

By securing Siakam with a max contract, the Pacers demonstrate their commitment to building a formidable roster that can compete at the highest level. Although financial constraints may arise, the team appears ready to tackle these challenges head-on as they strive to remain a force to be reckoned with in the East.