The Pacers are ‘actively’ discussing a trade to fill a huge roster hole
The Indiana Pacers they looked a far cry from the NBA finalists who ran toe-to-toe with the Oklahoma City Thunder last year. They are currently 14th in the easy Eastern Conference with a 6-18 record and are struggling with the absence of Tyrese Halliburton and exit of Miles Turner.
However, if Shams Charania it is believablethey intend to solve one of those problems.
“The Pacers are in active trade talks around the league to find a center of the future after losing Myles Turner in free agency, sources said,” Charania wrote for ESPN.
Indiana’s roster instability at the center position began after Myles Turner left the franchise in free agency. Turner signed a four-year, $108.9 million contract with the Milwaukee Bucks, ending his long tenure with the Pacers shortly after the team made the Finals.
The Pacers tried to fill the role using access to a committee that includes Isaiah Jackson, Jay Huff, and Tony Bradley. However, none of the current options are seen internally as long-term replacements, and the group’s performance has been underwhelming.
Jackson was solid but didn’t develop into a viable full-time starter, Bradley saw minimal rotation impact. Hough, while the most productive of the three, still raises questions about whether he can solidify a position on a struggling team.
However, the options in the market may not be that extensive. Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz has emerged as the top potential target. Reports indicate the Pacers have inquired about him multiple times since last offseason.
Kessler is considered a strong development prospect due to his age, defensive presence and rebounding ability, despite currently being sidelined with a shoulder injury. His pending contract situation in Utah increases the feasibility of a trade. If acquired, he would be a structural replacement for Turner’s rim protection and interior role.
2025-12-09 19:17:00
