Trade Candidates:
Obi Toppin
Toppin is the Pacers’ most expendable player. The 27-year-old forward, who has shown steady growth in his three seasons in Indiana, is on a reasonable contract as he is owed $31.0 million over the next two seasons. He was off to a strong start to the 2025-26 season before a foot injury ended his campaign after 24 games.
Toppin is a desirable trade target for teams due to his athleticism and ability to stretch the floor.
TJ McConnell
McConnell is one of the top reserve point guards in the NBA. While the Pacers won’t look to move the 34-year-old, they may move him if they don’t get off to a good start or find a younger replacement. He has three more years and $34.6 million left on his deal, though the 2028-29 campaign is a team option.
Aaron Nesmith
Depending on what happens in the 2026 draft, Nesmith is a potential trade chip for the Pacers. Nesmith is the Pacers’ top individual defender and is versatile, able to guard both wings and small-ball 4s. He will make $11 million this upcoming season before making $39 million over the subsequent two years.
While Nesmith did struggle a little bit shooting the ball, he knocked down 2.3 threes at a 37.9% clip and averaged a career-high 13.6 points in 45 games. He is a career 38.3% shooter from beyond the arc.
If traded, the Pacers figure to get back a solid rotational piece or a future first-round pick (top-15 protected).
Andrew Nembhard
Nembhard had a career season this year and demonstrated the ability to handle the point on a full-time basis. He is a solid perimeter defender and has made a career-high 1.9 threes at 36.1%. The 26-year-old has two years and $41 million left on his deal.
The Pacers should get a quality return if they decide to deal Nembhard, in a solo or a packaged deal.
Pascal Siakam
Siakam is the longest shot to be traded, though if the Pacers’ season doesn’t go as planned this year, he may get dealt. Selected as an all-star for the second straight season, Siakam has two years and $101 million left on his deal.
Others Who Could Be Traded, Likely Part of Package Deal
Jarace Walker
Ben Sheppard
