The Indiana Pacers’ recent trade with the New Orleans Pelicans has made their offseason intentions more transparent than ever: they’re eyeing an upgrade at the center position.
After sending the No. 23 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft to the Pelicans in exchange for their own 2026 first-round pick—previously dealt to the Toronto Raptors in the Pascal Siakam trade and later acquired by New Orleans in the Brandon Ingram deal—Indiana now has a bit more cap flexibility.
With that financial breathing room, the Pacers appear poised to explore options to bolster their frontcourt. Myles Turner, while a key piece, has delivered a postseason marked by highs and lows, as highlighted by Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports. Though Indiana reached the NBA Finals, continual improvement is essential in the modern NBA.
Is it time to upgrade from Myles Turner?
Turner has frequently appeared in trade rumors over the years—almost to the point of becoming a recurring joke. But his uneven playoff performance combined with Indiana’s current momentum suggests that seeking an upgrade could be a smart move.
The central question now becomes: where can the Pacers find a better fit at center than Turner? Which players are not only available but also capable of thriving in Indiana’s fast-paced system?
Indiana has some room beneath the luxury tax threshold, according to Keith Smith of Spotrac, and with Turner entering unrestricted free agency, exploring alternatives makes sense. However, the free-agent center market is thin—and Turner might actually be the top option available.
That pushes Indiana toward the trade route. So, who might be available?
If healthy, Portland’s Robert Williams III could be a compelling target—perhaps even as a backup if Turner returns. Brooklyn’s Nicolas Claxton presents another interesting possibility; his defense and rim-running style could blend seamlessly with the Pacers’ up-tempo play. Dallas’ Daniel Gafford fits that mold as well.
One challenge Indiana would face in moving on from Turner is replacing his floor-spacing three-point shooting. It might be wiser to keep Turner and simply add another high-level big man to share the load.
Still, no matter which direction they take, it’s become increasingly obvious that the Pacers need to make the center position a focal point of their offseason plans.
