After reaching the Eastern Conference Finals, the Indiana Pacers aren’t resting on their laurels, especially in light of the New York Knicks’ recent roster upgrade—Mikal Bridges was acquired for a substantial sum of draft capital—which has allowed them to considerably improve their squad.
In a live studio segment on Pat McAfee’s ESPN show featuring Tyrese Haliburton, Brian Windhorst discussed the Pacers’ approach going into the offseason.
The Pacers are productive, according to Windhorst. The Pacers are in operation. They’re attempting to get Tyrese some assistance, though I won’t say anything concrete tonight. Their task is not yet complete. They perceive a chance. They’re searching.
Boomer, the energetic mascot, would surely approve of Windy’s eloquent choice of words. Haliburton’s reaction, briefly shown during Windy’s statement, was priceless.
When Windy spreads these Pacers rumors, what is Tyrese thinking?
Even though the Pacers, who have four lottery selections from that draft class on their roster, are sitting without a first-round pick for the first time since 2020, tonight’s draft may not be the best opportunity for them to bolster their squad. As Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan has said, the team will be opportunistic in attempting to add players, but they are also happy running it back with this young group and relying on internal development, so Windy’s statement shouldn’t come as a big surprise.
In a recent audio interview with Setting the Pace, Buchanan stated, “There’s a couple of different paths you could take.” “You may keep growing this group; we appreciate that direction. Alternatively, we will always be searching for the appropriate opportunity for the right player. Ultimately, we are satisfied with the players we currently have on our squad. And for us to shift and alter what we have, it will need a player who can truly make a difference.
Before you get too enthusiastic about the prospects of the Pacers perhaps snatching OG Anunoby away from the Knicks or even pursuing a reunion with Paul George, it should be noted that every team is naturally searching for these opportunities. Windhorst did dampen expectations a little bit by assuming it would be that significant.
According to Windhorst, “They see these Eastern teams getting better.” “They have resources available to them. Based on what I understand, I believe they are in operation. They want to get an upgrade. The Pacers seem interested in a few names, I believe. Although I don’t think he’ll be an All-Star, Chad Buchanan and the other players did a fantastic job.
Anunoby hasn’t exactly been an All-Star, of course. therefore dammit if the Pacers are limited by the salary cap!
Seriously, the Pacers face a challenging path to acquire another high-salary player because they’re over the salary cap. Any trade to bring in a player with a significant contract would likely require them to include Myles Turner. Beyond draft picks, Windy hinted at enticing prospects such as Bennedict Mathurin and/or Jarace Walker, whom the Pacers value highly and are reluctant to part with easily.
Windhorst also labeled T.J. McConnell as “pretty much untouchable,” further constraining the Pacers’ options for salary matching as they aim to secure the point guard long-term in an Indiana uniform.
Considering Windy’s comment about the Pacers seeing opportunities, one might speculate if this pertains to the Nets’ roster. The Nets still possess skilled role players such as Cam Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith, who could be available in trades as they potentially shift focus towards strategic tanking now that they control their own draft picks.
If the Pacers aim to acquire picks in this draft, their options are limited to three second-round selections. They might consider pursuing wings from the Pelicans like Herb Jones or Trey Murphy III. Another possibility could be targeting Deni Avdija from the Wizards, a former lottery pick from 2020. Alternatively, they could surprise everyone by acquiring an All-Star caliber player, which would certainly shake up the Eastern Conference arms race. Windhorst believes the Pacers shouldn’t be underestimated as a one-year wonder and sees potential moves ahead.
Regarding the logistical challenges during the NBA playoffs and the Indy 500 weekend, Windhorst humorously mentioned making his hotel reservations early. Haliburton responded positively to Windy’s comment.
In addition to this, Haliburton also discussed his conversations with Arkansas coach John Calipari, reflecting on why he didn’t choose Wisconsin and praising Isaiah Jackson. He touched on Team USA’s recent losses and looked forward to the Olympics. Haliburton expressed his appreciation for the Pacers’ roster and camaraderie among teammates, as well as his interest in fashion and his attire for game days.
In addition, Haliburton stated that he possesses all the evidence of tampering that the NBA may require in order to get Mikal Bridges for the Knicks. This is due to a group chat that Bridges, Brunson, and Hart formed during the previous off-season with Team USA.