The Indiana Pacers are likely overjoyed that the 2026 season is over, as they get to rest up and get healthy. Now it is on to the offseason and a look ahead to their decisions.
Indiana Pacers Offseason: Needs, Free Agent Decisions, Draft Capital, and 5 Trade Candidates
Indiana capped their worst season in franchise history with a 133-122 loss to the Detroit Pistons on April 12. The setback to the Pistons ensured that the Pacers finished with the worst record in franchise history and second worst in the league at 19-63.
While the Pacers were 26th in scoring at 112.3 points, they were just 29th in offensive efficiency, ranking among the bottom third of the league in shooting and offensive rebounding. They were only an average 3-point shooting team.
Indiana also struggled on defense, ranking 24th in defensive efficiency. The Pacers allowed 120.4 points, 25th in scoring, as they struggled to keep opponents out of the paint and protect the rim. The Pacers were only average on the defensive boards and ranked among the worst in forcing turnovers. While they did a fairly good job at defending the 3-point line, fouling was an issue.
Of course, injuries played a huge part in their struggles with Tyrese Haliburton (82), Ivica Zubac (25), Andrew Nembhard (25), Aaron Nesmith (37), Obi Toppin (59), and TJ McConnell (25) all missing 25 or more games. The Pacers used 27 different players and 48 starting lineups.
There were some positives. The Pacers got their starting center for next year, Zubac, at the trade deadline. Nembhard took a major step in his development, becoming a more offensive threat this season with Haliburton out. Jay Huff, Jarace Walker, and Ben Sheppard had career seasons. Additionally, Micah Potter impressed after being a late addition to the roster.
Questions For Pacers Entering Offseason
Indiana has 14 players under contract in 2026 with salaries totaling over $201.2 million. Therefore, the Pacers project to be $34.2 million over the cap and $20.7 million under the punitive second tax apron, entering the offseason. However, there are some variables.
Potter’s 2026-27 contract ($2.8 million) is a club option. Meanwhile, Quenton Jackson’s ($2.59 million) and Kam Jones’ ($2.1 million) deals are nonguaranteed. Kobe Brown is the Pacers lone unrestricted free agent.
According to Dustin Dopirek of The Indianapolis Star, the Pacers will have to address several questions entering this offseason. Among the questions is whether the Pacers should extend Walker and Sheppard this summer. Both will enter the final year of their rookie contracts if they don’t get extended.
Walker, slated to make $8.4 million this upcoming season, is coming off a career season with 11.1 points and 5.6 rebounds. Likewise, Sheppard also has steadily improved in his first three seasons and will make $5.0 million in 2o26-27.
A couple of other questions the Pacers will have to answer are what to do with their lone draft pick (if they keep it) and whether Jackson and Jones did enough to keep them around.
Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
