Shockwaves in Indiana: GM Chad Buchanan Issues Major Update on Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam’s Future
In a move that has stunned Pacers fans and NBA insiders alike, Indiana Pacers General Manager Chad Buchanan made a startling announcement regarding the future of All-Stars Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam. Speaking at a surprise press conference held Friday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Buchanan addressed growing speculation around the franchise’s next steps—and hinted that massive roster changes could be on the way.
“Everything’s on the Table”
Buchanan opened the media session by reaffirming the franchise’s goal of long-term success, but his remarks quickly took a surprising turn.
> “Tyrese and Pascal are tremendous players who’ve given us a lot,” Buchanan said. “But we’re at a point where we need to evaluate every option. That includes looking at the possibility of big changes—even with our top players.”
The revelation has sparked immediate rumors across the league, with analysts questioning whether Indiana is considering a full roster shake-up. While Buchanan stressed that no trades have been finalized, he confirmed the team is weighing all possibilities during the offseason.
Haliburton, who became the cornerstone of the franchise after being traded from Sacramento and signing a max extension last year, struggled with injuries and inconsistency during the latter part of the 2024–25 campaign. Though he remains one of the NBA’s elite passers and a key locker room leader, his long-term fit with the team is now being reassessed.
> “Tyrese has done a lot for this organization and continues to grow as a player,” Buchanan noted. “But we have to ask if our current setup truly positions us to contend for a title.”
Sources say multiple teams have already shown interest in acquiring Haliburton, though no formal trade talks have advanced beyond preliminary discussions
As for Pascal Siakam, the veteran forward who arrived in a blockbuster trade from Toronto earlier this season, his status is equally uncertain. With free agency underway, Siakam is reportedly seeking a long-term max contract, but the Pacers may be hesitant to commit given the evolving direction of the team.
> “Pascal was a major boost to our team,” said Buchanan. “But both sides need to make sure this is the right fit going forward. We’ve had positive conversations, but we’re keeping our options open.”
While Indiana holds Siakam’s Bird Rights and can offer him the most financially, league insiders suggest that mutual interest isn’t yet translating into a firm agreement.
After an encouraging postseason run that ended in the second round, Indiana now finds itself at a crossroads. With promising young players like Bennedict Mathurin and Jarace Walker in the mix, and uncertainty surrounding Haliburton and Siakam, the Pacers must decide whether to double down on their current core or begin a strategic retool.
Buchanan made it clear that the franchise’s top priority remains winning a championship—but that might require bold moves.
> “To take the next step, we have to be willing to make tough calls,” he said. “Sometimes that means letting go of comfort and familiarity.”
As free agency heats up and the trade market becomes more active, all eyes will be on the Pacers. With two of their biggest stars potentially in play, Indiana could shape not only its own destiny but also the competitive landscape of the Eastern Conference.
While Buchanan didn’t confirm any immediate changes, his words left no doubt: the Pacers are preparing for a pivotal shift, and no player is off-limits.
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