With standout contributions from Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, and T.J. McConnell — and a solid supporting cast stepping up during Tyrese Haliburton’s injury absence — the Pacers now enter a critical 2025 offseason armed with cap space and draft assets.
In Game 7 of the NBA Finals on June 22, 2025, the Indiana Pacers fell just short of a championship, losing 103–91 to the Oklahoma City Thunder. To make matters worse, Tyrese Haliburton — the heart of their playoff run — suffered a torn Achilles early in the game.
Despite the crushing loss, Indiana wrapped up the 2024–25 season with a 50–32 record and the 4th seed in the East. They boasted the league’s 7th-best offense (117.4 PPG) and went 12–4 in the postseason before falling in the Finals. This young, resilient group now represents one of the NBA’s most promising cores.
With the East wide open and momentum on their side, Indiana’s front office must retool wisely. Here are 10 players they should have on their radar — reordered from upside swings to most established options.
1. Dorian Finney-Smith
Proposed Sign-and-Trade
Pacers Receive: Dorian Finney-Smith
Lakers Receive: Isaiah Jackson, Jarace Walker (both S&T), Ben Sheppard, 2025 No. 54 pick
At 32, Finney-Smith offers 3-and-D toughness, with averages of 8.7 PPG and 3.9 RPG. His positional flexibility at the 3 and 4 spots could prove valuable in playoff matchups. As a stabilizing veteran, he’d bring balance to Indiana’s rising core.
2. Gary Trent Jr.
Status: Unrestricted Free Agent
Trent averaged 11.1 PPG on 41.6% from three in Milwaukee and erupted for 33 points in a playoff game against the Pacers. His shooting and perimeter defense make him a valuable addition to a roster seeking consistent wing production.
3. Derrick Jones Jr.
Proposed Sign-and-Trade
Pacers Receive: Derrick Jones Jr.
Clippers Receive: Jarace Walker (S&T), Ben Sheppard, 2027 1st (GSW)
Jones brings defense, explosiveness, and efficiency (10.1 PPG on 52.6% FG). A high-energy forward who started 55 games, he could give Indiana a spark off the bench and slot into small-ball lineups for defensive flexibility and transition scoring.
4. Dennis Schroder
Status: Unrestricted Free Agent
Schroder, who played for three teams in 2024-25, averaged 13.1 PPG and 5.4 APG, with 12.5 PPG in the playoffs for Detroit. A pest defensively and fast in the open floor, Schroder would bolster the Pacers’ backcourt with his scoring and defense behind Nembhard and Haliburton.
5. Ty Jerome
Status: Unrestricted Free Agent
Jerome put up 12.5 PPG and 3.4 APG on incredible efficiency (51.6% FG, 43.9% 3PT) over 70 games. A finalist for Sixth Man of the Year, he brings calm and shooting off the bench. The Pacers could use his steadiness and ability to run the offense when needed.
6. Malik Beasley
Status: Unrestricted Free Agent
Beasley delivered a career-best 16.3 PPG on 41.6% from deep. He’s a catch-and-shoot specialist with confidence in big moments — something Indiana’s second unit could benefit from, especially when spacing the floor for Siakam and Turner in Haliburton’s absence.
7. Donte DiVincenzo
Proposed Sign-and-Trade
Pacers Receive: Donte DiVincenzo
Timberwolves Receive: Jarace Walker, Ben Sheppard, Tony Bradley (S&T), 2025 No. 54 pick
DiVincenzo averaged 11.7 PPG, 3.7 RPG, and shot 39.7% from three. In the playoffs, he added value with steals and hustle. “Swagger” and toughness, Magic Johnson once said, are what make DiVincenzo “irreplaceable.” He fits Indiana’s mold of gritty, switchable perimeter defenders with a scoring punch.
—
8. Jonathan Kuminga
Proposed Trade
Pacers Receive: Jonathan Kuminga
Warriors Receive: Isaiah Jackson, Jarace Walker (S&T), Ben Sheppard, 2027 1st (GSW), 2025 No. 54 pick
Kuminga, just 22, posted 15.3 PPG, 4.6 RPG, and 2.2 APG, showcasing star potential. His explosive 30-point playoff outing revealed his ability to be a two-way force. With Golden State in flux, Indiana could swoop in and give him a larger role alongside Siakam and Turner while Haliburton rehabs.
—
9. Naz Reid
Proposed Sign-and-Trade
Pacers Receive: Naz Reid
Timberwolves Receive: Isaiah Jackson, Jarace Walker (both S&T), Ben Sheppard
Reid, a 6’9″, 264-lb center, averaged 14.2 PPG and 6.0 RPG while shooting 37.9% from deep. His inside-out scoring complements Siakam and Turner, and his 2.3 APG adds playmaking from the frontcourt. Reid could serve as Indiana’s third offensive option in Haliburton’s absence and boost frontcourt depth.
10. Malcolm Brogdon
Status: Unrestricted Free Agent
Malcolm Brogdon averaged 12.7 PPG, 3.8 RPG, and 4.1 APG in limited minutes for Washington, offering a steady hand with 43.3% FG and 88% FT. With career averages of 15.3 PPG and 4.1 APG, the veteran remains a trustworthy option.
He’s a great short-term solution while Haliburton recovers — capable of sharing the ball with Nembhard and defending 1–3. On a one-year deal, Brogdon provides composure, versatility, and playoff experience.
