Pacers trade rumors & speculation thread

[Wizop]

I believe that a bigger three a D wing that plays without the ball would fit better with this roster than Benn.

Sheppard, Walker, Nesmith, Furphy, next FRP????

[SmashMouthRod]

I believe that a bigger three a D wing that plays without the ball would fit better with this roster than Benn.

Sheppard, Walker, Nesmith, Furphy, next FRP????

Sheppard and Nesmith are nice players/defenders; but would be better served as rotational players on a championship contender team. Not sure what Walkers or Furphys upside is yet but one of them could be the upgrade. I like the idea of Furphys shooting, height and length and the idea of Walkers defensive upside. I dont know how good Furphy can be on defense and Walkers shooting is questionable. Additionally your right about Next seasons 1st. I believe it would be easier to find a lengthy wing defender 3/4 that can shoot than to replace Myles.

[Wizop]

Other than Nesmith, if there were a better option than Benn on the roster, he'd be starting.

[JMaster5K]

From Marc Stein:

On top of his two-way effectiveness, as Fischer explained, Nembhard possesses one of the league's most attractive contracts. He's being paid barely $2 million this season, has a very reasonable three-year, $60 million contract extension kicking in next season and, because Nembhard was the first pick in the second round of the NBA Draft in 2022 as opposed to a first-rounder, faces no Poison Pill restrictions if the Pacers were willing to move him between now and the Feb. 6 trade deadline.

But that's just it: They're not.

With Indiana in the midst of a 11-3 surge, Nembhard is routinely described as one of the most prized Pacers on the roster and pretty much off-limits as the deadline approaches.

The Pacers see Nembhard as an ideal backcourt complement to Tyrese Haliburton whose exceptional defense and ability to take over the ball-handling responsibilities when necessary have helped Haliburton break out of his early season funk.

I would move Mathurin before I move Nembhard. Math is getting better. But I cant imagine paying him a big contract. I would much rather figure out how to pay and keep Myles than give Mathurin a big contract when he's up. A wing scorer/shooter/defender can be more easily replaced or even upgraded.

Honestly,.. I think that is part of what the Pacers Staff are watching?... If the FO was to consider moving anyone,.. I think it would be between Toppin, Mathurin, & Walker, or more likely a combination thereof. I very much doubt that they would part with Nembhard or Nesmith without being completely blown away by a surprise offer. Nembhard more than Nesmith.

IF, they were going to make a move for someone to help right away,... probably someone around the 20M a year bracket, they would have to include Toppin for salary, Then, have to include either Benn or Jarace for value? The other, likely becomes a very key role player off the bench (with the ability to grow the role)? They have different skillsets... not sure which the FO or Coach would value the most in that role? That could even depend on who they could get? Would definitely depend on who the other team values?

but it also begs the question,... Is there anybody out there, available, in that price range,.. we could get for a package along those lines, that would give us the big defensive wing we need, to play now/win now... and be more valuable to us than Toppin/Mathurin,.. or Toppin/Walker? I'm not convinced I've seen that player,... I've seen a few players that I think would likely fit,. but they generally are not available, or their teams don't need a Toppin & Mathurin/Walker enough to value the trade?

Maybe,... 2025 draft?......

[Wizop]

I'd trade Nesmith before I'd move the lower priced contracts of Mathurin, Walker, and Sheppard.

OBI is a perfect scheme fit.

[8305]

It seems to me the move will be Mathurin for draft capital. There aren’t enough minutes when everyone is healthy. Mathurin’s skills/roll can be filled by a combination of Neismith, Shephard and Walker. The big defensive wing the Pacers need could be on the roster now in Walker. His skill set projects to being that guy. It would be foolish to include him in any trade. Once you have Hali, Siakum and Turner on big contracts it will be critical to back fill the roster with rookie scale guys. Draft capital will be an important component.

[JMaster5K]

It seems to me the move will be Mathurin for draft capital. There aren’t enough minutes when everyone is healthy. Mathurin’s skills/roll can be filled by a combination of Neismith, Shephard and Walker. The big defensive wing the Pacers need could be on the roster now in Walker. His skill set projects to being that guy. It would be foolish to include him in any trade. Once you have Hali, Siakum and Turner on big contracts it will be critical to back fill the roster with rookie scale guys. Draft capital will be an important component.

even more so with 2 of the deepest, most talented drafts we've seen in a decade (2025, 2026) where we've already traded our pick in 1 of those years.

[Scoot McGroot]

I'd trade Nesmith before I'd move the lower priced contracts of Mathurin, Walker, and Sheppard.

OBI is a perfect scheme fit.

I agree he's a solid offensive scheme fit. I'd ideally love to keep him, but that would require Myles taking a real bargain basement deal. Maybe he'd come close if we offered a no trade clause in his next deal?

But, ultimately, I see Obi as a replaceable fit. You can almost always find guys that can score. It's harder to find guys that can defend on the perimeter (like Nesmith), while also hitting some shots. Those are the types of guys you want a bunch of on the roster to be able to throw all kinds of flexible lineups out there, which is why I tend to want to hold onto Nesmith, Sheppard, and Nembhard. Jarace is growing into a guy that could possibly be a defensive force out there on the wings, too.

[Pacers Forever]

I'd trade Nesmith before I'd move the lower priced contracts of Mathurin, Walker, and Sheppard.

OBI is a perfect scheme fit.

I agree he's a solid offensive scheme fit. I'd ideally love to keep him, but that would require Myles taking a real bargain basement deal. Maybe he'd come close if we offered a no trade clause in his next deal?

But, ultimately, I see Obi as a replaceable fit. You can almost always find guys that can score. It's harder to find guys that can defend on the perimeter (like Nesmith), while also hitting some shots. Those are the types of guys you want a bunch of on the roster to be able to throw all kinds of flexible lineups out there, which is why I tend to want to hold onto Nesmith, Sheppard, and Nembhard. Jarace is growing into a guy that could possibly be a defensive force out there on the wings, too.

I agree that it’s going to be tough to fit Myles into the cap budget. Which way they go after a period of developing young players and still an ongoing process is anybody’s guess. I’m guessing it’s going to be very hard to let go of Walker, Sheppard, or Mathurin. Nembhard in my mind is untouchable.

Obi creates an energetic running offense usually ending in a layup or dunk which is exciting. One observation I have noticed from Obi’s play is that he could be an every night scorer similar to Myles, Mathurin, and Siakam rather than averaging 10 points for us.

It’s my opinion that he defers to the stars and to TJ routinely and rarely creates his own shot which I’ve seen him do. I think he could be a 15-20 point scorer nightly on a team lacking scoring if asked to do so.

His defense is pretty weak and a liability for the Pacers and that will probably send him packing. I would hate it but in retrospect I wasn’t happy losing a 3 point threat in Buddy Hield. That was the right move as the Pacers still have enough talent to hit 3 pointers and are better defensively now.

Unfortunately for Obi I think Rick’s ideal player is closer to a Nembhard prototype(low scoring defensive stud)than a Siakam(stud scorer)prototype.

So I could see a future lineup of Nembhard, Tyrese, Mathurin, and Siakam, plus a tbd defensive center. The second team would be Walker and mostly Ben Sheppard prototypes. I guess Freeman replaces Toppin on the second unit along with Furphy and
I-Jax or Bryant.

Will be interesting to see if moves are made this season now that the roster is working out great lately.

[JMaster5K]

I'd trade Nesmith before I'd move the lower priced contracts of Mathurin, Walker, and Sheppard.

OBI is a perfect scheme fit.

I agree he's a solid offensive scheme fit. I'd ideally love to keep him, but that would require Myles taking a real bargain basement deal. Maybe he'd come close if we offered a no trade clause in his next deal?

But, ultimately, I see Obi as a replaceable fit. You can almost always find guys that can score. It's harder to find guys that can defend on the perimeter (like Nesmith), while also hitting some shots. Those are the types of guys you want a bunch of on the roster to be able to throw all kinds of flexible lineups out there, which is why I tend to want to hold onto Nesmith, Sheppard, and Nembhard. Jarace is growing into a guy that could possibly be a defensive force out there on the wings, too.

I agree that it’s going to be tough to fit Myles into the cap budget. Which way they go after a period of developing young players and still an ongoing process is anybody’s guess. I’m guessing it’s going to be very hard to let go of Walker, Sheppard, or Mathurin. Nembhard in my mind is untouchable.

Obi creates an energetic running offense usually ending in a layup or dunk which is exciting. One observation I have noticed from Obi’s play is that he could be an every night scorer similar to Myles, Mathurin, and Siakam rather than averaging 10 points for us.

It’s my opinion that he defers to the stars and to TJ routinely and rarely creates his own shot which I’ve seen him do. I think he could be a 15-20 point scorer nightly on a team lacking scoring if asked to do so.

His defense is pretty weak and a liability for the Pacers and that will probably send him packing. I would hate it but in retrospect I wasn’t happy losing a 3 point threat in Buddy Hield. That was the right move as the Pacers still have enough talent to hit 3 pointers and are better defensively now.

Unfortunately for Obi I think Rick’s ideal player is closer to a Nembhard prototype(low scoring defensive stud)than a Siakam(stud scorer)prototype.

So I could see a future lineup of Nembhard, Tyrese, Mathurin, and Siakam, plus a tbd defensive center. The second team would be Walker and mostly Ben Sheppard prototypes. I guess Freeman replaces Toppin on the second unit along with Furphy and
I-Jax or Bryant.

Will be interesting to see if moves are made this season now that the roster is working out great lately.

You maybe right about the prototypes that Coach is looking for in his rotations,... I can see Freeman becoming the backup 4,... He was all defense first team for 4 years in the MAC. He is one guy that, given the chance to learn the NBA, could probably fill OB1's role,... and pick up some craft from Pascal,... and be a legit good defender as a 4. I don't think he's a starter,... but he could be one of those guys that you rely on every night on the bench?

[JMaster5K]

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/278831/Kings-Pacers-Leading-Suitors-For-Cam-Johnson

It's probably just me,... but after watching this team play over the last 10 games,... I'm not all that interested in Johnson. I don't think we need another scorer at the 3. We need a big wing defender. Johnson was at one point lauded for his defense, but I haven't seen it recently.

With the growth from Jarace & Benn, the untapped potential from Shep,.. and how Drew has been playing since his return,... for me, I'd rather sit on these guys for a bit,.. let them cook a little more, before making this kind of change. If Jarace is only starting to show the kind of defender he can be? and the last 10 games are an example of that,... then just wow,... We might not need to be looking at trade options for improvement?

Hoping this is just some smoke,....

[Pacers Forever]

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/278831/Kings-Pacers-Leading-Suitors-For-Cam-Johnson

It's probably just me,... but after watching this team play over the last 10 games,... I'm not all that interested in Johnson. I don't think we need another scorer at the 3. We need a big wing defender. Johnson was at one point lauded for his defense, but I haven't seen it recently.

With the growth from Jarace & Benn, the untapped potential from Shep,.. and how Drew has been playing since his return,... for me, I'd rather sit on these guys for a bit,.. let them cook a little more, before making this kind of change. If Jarace is only starting to show the kind of defender he can be? and the last 10 games are an example of that,... then just wow,... We might not need to be looking at trade options for improvement?

Hoping this is just some smoke,....

I agree with you. I don’t think I have seen Johnson play this season but I do see his box score and fantasy results as he’s on one of my teams. I’m in keep Walker mode and play him.

I also think we’re finally seeing glimpses of the many things Walker can do. We’re starting to see him combine his talents for productive minutes. Hands causing steals, deflections, and offensive interruptions for the opponent, passing, rebounding, blocks, and scoring.

I think the Pacers front office since Carlisle arrived has gotten it right and is giving the young talent enough time and opportunity to mature and develop. Hopefully no more long term Aaron Holiday mistakes.

[JMaster5K]

Taken from the Pacers Reddit page,......

https://www.reddit.com/r/pacers/comments/1i04zjo/jarace_walker/
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jarace walker (6 days ago from post date)

my oh my did jarace have himself a GAME. and not to get too into his personal life, but this is his first game after losing his cousin (shared via his ig story yesterday) and so considering that, he showed out with some serious energy and dedication. even coach carlisle said in the postgame interview that this was jarace’s best game as a pacer. stat box doesn’t show it, but if you watched that full second half he was playing some of the best pacer basketball i’ve seen in awhile. i think we have an extremely bright future ahead of us with jarace playing at this level while only being 21.

And Another

But I swear some of these Walker STRIPS get me as excited as an Obi dunk. They can be SOOOO SMOOTH and in the open court it seems like he sometimes isn't just STRIPPING that [edit] but doing it with the intention of knocking it towards another Pacer or he himself gathers it and pushes it ahead for a layup.
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Seems the sentiment about Jarace is becoming more widespread in our community. I did not realize that he had lost a close family member prior to that game,.... Praying for him,.. and tons of respect.

Personally,... I was really impressed when I saw him repeatedly running to the corner, or to the shoulder, depending on the action, away from the ball. Sometimes even waving his arms, when he knew the action was going the other way,... just to keep the defense open & honest. Really starting to like the little things I'm seeing,... the kind of things that win games.

[JMaster5K]

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/278831/Kings-Pacers-Leading-Suitors-For-Cam-Johnson

It's probably just me,... but after watching this team play over the last 10 games,... I'm not all that interested in Johnson. I don't think we need another scorer at the 3. We need a big wing defender. Johnson was at one point lauded for his defense, but I haven't seen it recently.

With the growth from Jarace & Benn, the untapped potential from Shep,.. and how Drew has been playing since his return,... for me, I'd rather sit on these guys for a bit,.. let them cook a little more, before making this kind of change. If Jarace is only starting to show the kind of defender he can be? and the last 10 games are an example of that,... then just wow,... We might not need to be looking at trade options for improvement?

Hoping this is just some smoke,....

I agree with you. I don’t think I have seen Johnson play this season but I do see his box score and fantasy results as he’s on one of my teams. I’m in keep Walker mode and play him.

I also think we’re finally seeing glimpses of the many things Walker can do. We’re starting to see him combine his talents for productive minutes. Hands causing steals, deflections, and offensive interruptions for the opponent, passing, rebounding, blocks, and scoring.

I think the Pacers front office since Carlisle arrived has gotten it right and is giving the young talent enough time and opportunity to mature and develop. Hopefully no more long term Aaron Holiday mistakes.

After watching more the highlights,... (i usually watch them 4 or 5 times paying particular attention to a player or two, each time),... I find myself wishing,... that he had that little bit extra reach (not wingspan) that would let him play the starting 4. He is starting to learn to be physical - in a good way, and those instinct - on the open side of the offense & defense? If he focused a bit on being a rebounder,... his quickness advantage would be that much larger,... he could be a legit all-pro.

Might be anyway as a 3,... he has all the skills & upside you want in a modern 3 (I can still him as the modern version of Artest). I always thought he would be a 3,... but could you imagine perimeter 4's trying to keep up with him on offense, or shake him on defense?.... He's the right age to learn some of that craft from Pascal. He has the same shot as OB1. Was always committed to him being our future 3,... but now I think (If he's got the length, which the combine measurement said he doesn't,... but who knows about now?) he could do either?

IF he could,.. with the way Benn's defense has improved,... I could see a playoffs lineup with Jarace on Tatum,... Math on Brown,... Shep on White,... Andrew on Jrue,... and Myles on Portzingis,..... I'd pay for popcorn for the entire section to watch that with all the players playing to their potential,....

[SmashMouthRod]

Im admitting that I mightve been wrong about needing a trade 4 a big wing. The team is playing so well together that a major trade almost doesnt make sense at this point. I wouldnt want to disrupt the chemistry in addition to the fact that all of the young players seem to be developing in real time. I like what Im seeing from Jarace Walker enough that if a deal is made; it would be to open up playing time for him. The depth of this team can be a problem for teams matching up in the playoffs. Still wouldnt want to pay Benn a big contract but i like the idea of his continued development/value to increase. Not sure if all of these players developing can get a Indy a finals appearance/championship but it has the potential to create enough value to package guys to get someone to put the team over the top.

[Wizop]

I'm not sure we need to trade for a mature starter. I don't want to give away another Alex English.

[basketballwacko2]

I'm not sure we need to trade for a mature starter. I don't want to give away another Alex English.

Exactly, I'm not trading Mathurin unless it's some kind of "Godfather" deal.

I think it is very important to sign Turner, I think he will sign a 4year deal probably in the 4/112 range. Once he signs he should become very valuable since he's now played 2 years with not a lot of injurie and missed games.

I like Toppin and Nesmith but one or both may have to be traded to get Myles on a contract and stay under the tax.

I would say only one player on the team is "untouchable" and that is Haliburton. I would not want to trade Mathurin, Walker, Sheppard, or Furphy, and Nembhard.

I've said before I think it's gonna be hard to field a team and stay under the tax with the 2 giant contracts of Haliburton and Siakam and then adding in Turner's new contract.

This team needs to be under the tax.

[Wizop]

I would say only one player on the team is "untouchable" and that is Haliburton.

I'd add Siakam and Nembhard. Turner is close and I think he finishes the season as a Pacer but his next contract is a challenge to fit under the tax without giving up a player we don't want to lose.

[Grang33r]

I did not realize that he had lost a close family member prior to that game,.... Praying for him,.. and tons of respect.

Thats horrible. Jarace seems like a great kid. Feel sorry he's dealing with this and instead of being with family hes in Paris.

[Grang33r]

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/278831/Kings-Pacers-Leading-Suitors-For-Cam-Johnson

It's probably just me,... but after watching this team play over the last 10 games,... I'm not all that interested in Johnson. I don't think we need another scorer at the 3. We need a big wing defender. Johnson was at one point lauded for his defense, but I haven't seen it recently.

I'm with you. Let it ride with the current team. They are growing together and don't think they really need to bring in anyone right now like Cam Johnson.