Pacers’ Updated Roster, Starting Lineup, Salary Cap After Pascal Siakam Trade

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The Indiana Pacers bolstered their lineup on Wednesday in pursuit of a playoff berth with the reported acquisition of Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors.

The Pacers are acquiring Siakam from the Raptors in exchange for Bruce Brown, Jordan Nwora and three first-round picks, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The New Orleans Pelicans are also involved in the transaction, sending Kira Lewis to Toronto and a second-round pick to Indiana, Wojnarowski added.

Here’s a look at Indiana’s updated roster and salary cap following the deal.

Indiana Pacers’ Updated 2023-24 Roster and Salary Cap

PG: Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, T.J. McConnell, Isaiah Wong

SG: Buddy Hield, Bennedict Mathurin

PF: Pascal Siakam, Jalen Smith, Obi Toppin, Jarace Walker

C: Myles Turner, Isaiah Jackson, James Johnson

According to Spotrac, Indiana’s updated salary is $131.9 million.

After reaching the inaugural in-season tournament finals in December, it was clear the Pacers had the talent to contend for a postseason berth.

However, it was also evident that the franchise needed another piece if they hoped to be among the Eastern Conference’s top title contenders this year.

Siakam was one of the hottest names on the trade market this winter. In addition to the Pacers, the Dallas Mavericks, Sacramento Kings and Detroit Pistons were also reportedly interested in his services.

The addition of Siakam to an Indiana starting lineup that is headlined by Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner and also includes Buddy Hield and Aaron Nesmith should allow the Pacers to better contend for a top-five seed in the East.

Siakam will take over at the power forward position for Jalen Smith, who is averaging just 10.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 27 games this season.

Siakam had spent his entire career in Toronto and he represents a major upgrade at the position for the Pacers. While his numbers are down by his standards, he’s still averaging 22.2 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists in 39 games this season while shooting 52.2 percent from the floor and 31.7 percent from deep.

The Pacers are currently sixth in the Eastern Conference with a 23-17 record, eight games back of the first-place Boston Celtics and just one game back of the No. 4 seed.

It’s unclear when Siakam will make his debut with the Pacers, but Indiana is back in action on Thursday against the Kings before taking on the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday.