Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images
Before looking ahead to free agency, Pascal Siakam was happy to have experienced this postseason run with the Indiana Pacers after being acquired in a midseason trade from the Toronto Raptors.
Speaking to reporters after a 105-102 loss to the Boston Celtics in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Siakam said “it’s been a blessing” to be with the Pacers.
“I’m really appreciative of everything,” he added. “Coming from where I come from, it means a lot.”
The Pacers aren’t known for making bold trades, but their ascent into playoff contention at the start of this season opened things up. They sent Bruce Brown, Jordan Nwora and three first-round draft picks to Toronto for Siakam on Jan. 18.
It was assumed when Indiana made that deal, there was a strong possibility Siakam would sign a new contract with the club this summer.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported the day after the trade was announced that rival teams believed Siakam was “a
