2. Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers made some big trades ahead of the deadline. They wanted to retool the roster and they accomplished that, coming away with Tyrese Haliburton as the future of the team in the backcourt in a deal with the Sacramento Kings centered around Domantas Sabonis. They cleared some salary cap and added draft capital as well, moving on from Caris LeVert in addition to Sabonis.
Armed with some good assets, the Indiana Pacers would be smart to get in on the Donovan Mitchell sweepstakes should they occur. Signed through 2026, he is the exact kind of player that Indiana should be targeting, as they aren’t a big free-agent destination.
Armed with extra draft picks and some intriguing young players, they can build a compelling package for Utah. Malcolm Brogdon could be used as a centerpiece, along with Buddy Hield to match more salary. Isaiah Jackson, Goga Bitadze, and Chris Duarte are recent first-round picks that could also be included as part of the package.
A backcourt of Haliburton and Mitchell on the Indiana Pacers would be one of the most intriguing young duos in the NBA. They would be interchangeable at both backcourt spots given their skill sets, providing the foundation of the roster for years to come.
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With Myles Turner entrenched at the center position, they would have a strong trio to build around. After missing the postseason for what looks to be two years in a row, the Indiana Pacers would be right back in the mix as soon as next season with Mitchell in the fold.
