NBA Trade Rumors: Indiana Pacers could chase $194.2 million Phoenix Suns superstar to form BIG 3 with Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam
Indiana Pacers at Oklahoma City Thunder (Image via Imagn).
The
Indiana Pacers
have defied expectations this season, reaching the NBA Finals with a thrilling Game 1 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Now, speculation is growing about how they could further strengthen their roster—and one potential move involves pursuing Phoenix Suns superstar
Kevin Durant
.
Indiana Pacers' Stunning Playoff Run and Future Decisions
After an improbable comeback win against the Thunder, the Pacers are just three victories away from their first-ever NBA championship. While Oklahoma City remains the favorite, Indiana's rapid rise has sparked discussions about their long-term strategy.
Tyrese Haliburton
, the team's 25-year-old franchise cornerstone, is locked in until 2029. But beyond him, the Indiana Pacers face key decisions—especially regarding Pascal Siakam.
The Pascal Siakam Factor
Pascal Siakam, 31, is under contract for three more seasons, earning:
- 2025-26: $45.6 million
- 2026-27: $48.9 million
- 2027-28: $52.3 million
If the Indiana Pacers win the title, keeping Siakam alongside Haliburton becomes a no-brainer. However, if they fall short, Indiana might explore trading him for a higher-impact player.
Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam, center, is fouled by Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill, right, in the first half during Game 1 in the Eastern Conference semifinals of the NBA basketball playoffs Sunday, May 4, 2025, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
As
Colin Keane of Sporting News
noted in the original article: "If the Pacers fall to OKC (as is expected), Indiana wouldn't feel obligated to hang up on Siakam trade requests; in fact, it might even begin wondering whether or not moving Siakam for a more brilliant piece is the move required to take the Pacers to the promised land."
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Kevin Durant: The Ultimate High-Risk, High-Reward Move
One superstar who could be available is
Kevin Durant
. The Suns may field offers for the 15-time All-Star, and the Indiana Pacers could present an intriguing package:
- Pascal Siakam
- Jarace Walker
- Two unprotected first-round picks (2029, 2031)
While Phoenix may prefer better offers from teams like the Spurs or Rockets, Indiana's pitch has upside:
- Short-term gamble: Kevin Durant's $54.7 million expiring deal makes this a one-year title push.
- Championship upside: Adding Durant to Haliburton's squad could be the missing piece.
- Future flexibility: If it doesn't work, Indiana clears cap space in 2026 to retool.
Potential Outcomes
Scenario
Result
Durant leads Pacers to title
Indiana cements itself as a dynasty contender.
Experiment fails
Pacers let Kevin Durant walk, freeing up cap space for new moves.
Will It Happen?
The Suns will likely demand more than Indiana can offer, but Kevin Durant could influence the situation. If he pushes for a trade to the Indiana Pacers, Phoenix may have to reconsider.
Also read:
NBA Trade Rumors: Golden State Warriors could make shocking move on their $24,855,347 rookie amid serious speculations
For now, the focus remains on the NBA Finals. But win or lose, Indiana's front office has a fascinating offseason ahead.
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