The Pacers’ proposal to trade the Mavericks gets a trade for Myles Turner

It’s time to rebuild with purpose, not panic. The Indiana Pacers did not plan to 2025–2026. it looks like this. A season that should have been about momentum and continuity became one of survival, patience and long-term vision. With Tyrese Haliburton sidelined all year and Miles Turner no longer anchoring the middle, Indiana was forced into a hard reset sooner than expected. Renewal, however, does not mean standing still. If the Pacers are serious about positioning themselves for a healthier, more competitive future, one trade with Dallas Mavericks could quietly reshape their trajectory. It could also give Halliburton the center he needs when he returns.

A lost season

The Pacers’ 2025–26 NBA season was an injury-plagued campaign. They are currently holding worst record in the league at 7-31. The outlook changed dramatically in the offseason when it was confirmed that franchise player Tyrese Halliburton would miss the entire season after tearing his Achilles tendon during the 2025 NBA Finals That shot was amplified when the longtime center Miles Turner left in free agency for the Milwaukee Bucks. He robbed Indiana of its defensive backbone and pick-and-roll safety valve. Without their primary playmaker and rim protector, the Pacers struggled on both ends of the floor. They rank near the bottom of the league in offensive and defensive efficiency.

Instead of chasing false hope, Indiana embraced development. Pascal Siakam took on a bigger offensive role. Meanwhile, Andrew Nembhard and Benedict Maturin they are required to create, achieve and learn through mistakes. The front office understands that this season presents an opportunity to reset the roster and prepare to return to competition once Halliburton is healthy. With additional injuries to Obi Topin and Isaiah Jackson further reducing the rotation, the Pacers’ focus has clearly shifted to weathering the storm and maximizing long-term value.

A hole the size of Myles Turner

Turner’s departure not only removed the center, but also removed a structural pillar. Turner’s ability to protect the rim, stretch the floor and anchor defensive schemes allowed Indiana to play fast without constantly gambling. Without him, the Pacers’ identity in pace and space felt incomplete. When Halliburton returns, Indiana will need a center who can finish games. They need someone who can defend in space and keep the defense honest without dominating touches.

That’s where Daniel Gafford enters the conversation.

Here we take a look at and discuss the trade that the Indiana Pacers have to deal with after Tyrese Halliburton’s injury.

Proposed trade framework

Indiana Pacers get:
Daniel Gafford
Jaden Hardy
2029 first round pick

Dallas Mavericks get:
Benedict Maturin
Capricorn Walker
Second round pick in 2026

This deal reflects a pure exchange of terms. Indiana gets immediate frontcourt stability, a young scoring guard and long-term equity in the draft. Dallas, meanwhile, is swinging for better position and roster balance in a Western Conference race to win.

Makes sense for Indiana

Gafford may not repeat Turner’s shooting range. However, he does offer something Indiana desperately needs, which is reliability on the edge. Gafford is an elite finisher, a strong vertical spacer and a capable rim protector. It thrives without the need for offensive volume. His defensive versatility fits seamlessly into the Pacers’ up-tempo philosophy. The net ratings of a strong Dallas team with Gafford on the floor underscore his quiet influence.

At 27, Gafford fits Indiana’s timeline and contract structure. His $13.4 million salary remains under control and retains flexibility going forward. That’s especially with the Pascal Siakam extensions looming. More importantly, Gafford gives Halliburton a pick-and-roll partner who can punish switches, collapse defenses and streamline reads when Indiana returns at full strength.

Jaden Hardy is a side prize and an important one. Hardy showed explosive points. That includes multiple 20-point outings off the bench. It also adds depth at linebacker behind Haliburton and Nembhardt. A 2029 first-round pick is a long-term safety. That gives Indiana another future asset that fits its rebuilding framework rather than its current record.

This is not a move to fix the 2025–26 period. It is a step towards stabilization in 2026–27. and further.

Why Dallas says yes

For the Mavericks, this deal is upside-down. Benedict Maturin gives Dallas a young perimeter shooter who can create his own shot. That’s something any Kyrie Irving-led roster needs in abundance. His downhill aggression and isolated scoring could ease the pressure on the Dallas Stars. It could also diversify an offense that often relies too heavily on primary creators.

Jarace Walker adds defensive versatility and size. He gives Dallas a multi-position defender who can grow into a significant role in playoff lineups. In a Western Conference where wings decide series, Walker’s two-way potential matters. Including a protected second-round pick minimizes Dallas’ risk while allowing them to reshape their rotation without completely sacrificing the present.

With Gafford’s contract nearing a decision point, Dallas could see this as an opportunity to recalibrate around younger talent with controlled costs. They can better complement the long-term timeline of Irving and Anthony Davis.

Building for Halliburton’s return

The Indians don’t need stars right now. It takes structure, patience and clarity. Acquiring Daniel Gafford gives the Pacers a center who can anchor their system without redefining it. At the same time, Hardy and a future first-round pick ensure the rebuild remains flexible, not rigid.

With Tyrese Halliburton back, Indiana can finally turn from survival to ambition. This trade does not complete the reconstruction, but it gives a certain direction. For a franchise going through its toughest season in years, that might be the most valuable asset of all.