{"id":187462,"date":"2026-05-02T08:06:44","date_gmt":"2026-05-02T12:06:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=187462"},"modified":"2026-05-02T08:06:44","modified_gmt":"2026-05-02T12:06:44","slug":"2026-pacers-offseason-needs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/05\/02\/2026-pacers-offseason-needs\/","title":{"rendered":"Indiana Pacers 2026 Offseason: Needs, Free Agent Decisions, Draft Capital, Ideal 2026 Draft Pick and 5 Trade Candidates"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Indiana Pacers<\/a> are likely overjoyed that the 2026\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

Indiana Pacers Offseason: Needs, Free Agent Decisions, Draft Capital, and 5 Trade Candidates<\/h2>\n

Indiana capped their worst season in franchise history with a 133-122 loss to the Detroit Pistons<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Of course, injuries played a huge part in their struggles with Tyrese Haliburton<\/a> (82), Ivica Zubac<\/a> (25), Andrew Nembhard<\/a> (25), Aaron Nesmith<\/a> (37), Obi Toppin (59), and TJ McConnell (25) all missing 25 or more games. The Pacers used 27 different players and 48 starting lineups.<\/p>\n

There were some positives. The Pacers got their starting center for next year, Zubac,<\/a> at the trade deadline. Nembhard took a major step in his development, becoming a more offensive threat this season with Haliburton out. Jay Huff,<\/a> Jarace Walker<\/a>, and Ben Sheppard<\/a> had career seasons. Additionally, Micah Potter<\/a> impressed after being a late addition to the roster.<\/p>\n

Questions For Pacers Entering Offseason<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

According to Dustin Dopirek of The Indianapolis Star,<\/a> 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.\u00a0 Both will enter the final year of their rookie contracts if they don’t get extended.<\/p>\n

Walker, slated to make $8.4 million this upcoming season, is coming off a career season with 11.1 points and 5.6 rebounds.\u00a0 Likewise, Sheppard also has steadily improved in his first three seasons and will make $5.0 million in 2o26-27.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect<\/span><\/p>\n

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Offseason Needs<\/h3>\n

Indiana’s front office has many important decisions to make. The first is what direction they want to go. The Pacers have a few options, given their current financial situation. They could keep the status quo with a few additions, trade a few role players in a big swing, trade draft picks for an All-Star player, or start a semi-rebuild around Haliburton and Zubac.<\/p>\n

The Pacers’ intentions will likely be determined after the draft lottery.\u00a0 The Pacers may not have their first-round pick in June. They sent the selection to the Los Angeles Clippers as part of the Zubac trade, with conditions. If the pick lands anywhere between No.5 and No.9, the Clippers will own the selection. Otherwise, the Pacers get to keep it. The Pacers have a 52% chance of keeping their pick<\/a> and a 14% shot at landing the No. 1 overall selection.<\/p>\n

Currently, the roster is presently constructed, the Pacers’ biggest need is a big wing defender who can defend 1 through 4. The Pacers only true two-way player is Nesmith.<\/p>\n

The Pacers’ second-biggest need is a secondary playmaker, as McConnell is getting older and Nembhard is better off the ball. Specifically, the Pacers need someone who can play both guard spots and create their own shot, or someone who is a big lead guard who can orchestrate the second unit.<\/p>\n

The Pacers could also use a stretch-4 who rebounds off the bench. They also need to improve their physical toughness and defense.<\/p>\n

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Trade Candidates:<\/h3>\n

Obi Toppin<\/h4>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Toppin is a desirable trade target for teams due to his athleticism and ability to stretch the floor.<\/p>\n

<\/blockquote>\n

TJ McConnell<\/h4>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Aaron Nesmith<\/h4>\n

Depending on what happens in the 2026 draft, Nesmith is a potential trade chip for the Pacers.\u00a0Nesmith is the Pacers’ top individual defender and is versatile, able to guard both wings and small-ball 4s.\u00a0 He will make $11 million this upcoming season before making $39 million over the subsequent two years.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

If traded, the Pacers figure to get back a solid rotational piece or a future first-round pick (top-15 protected).<\/p>\n

Andrew Nembhard<\/h4>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The Pacers should get a quality return if they decide to deal Nembhard, in a solo or a packaged deal.<\/p>\n

Pascal Siakam<\/h4>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Others Who Could Be Traded, Likely Part of Package Deal<\/h5>\n

Jarace Walker<\/p>\n

Ben Sheppard<\/p>\n

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Draft Capital<\/h3>\n

As mentioned above, Indiana will not know if it will keep its 2026 first-round selection (Protected 1-4, 10-30) until the draft lottery on May 10. The Pacers don’t have a second-round selection in 2026, as the Memphis Grizzlies currently hold it via a trade with Milwaukee.<\/p>\n

The Pacers have four of their own future first-round selections (2027, 2028, 2030, 2032) over the subsequent five seasons. The Pacers will send the Clippers their 2031 first-round selection if the Clippers keep their 2026 first-round pick. They have seven future second-round picks from 2027 through 2032, including two in 2027.<\/p>\n

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Ideal 2026 Draft Pick: AJ Dybantsa<\/a><\/h4>\n

Dybantsa would be too tough to pass up if they land the No. 1 overall pick, which could potentially enhance the Pacers’ willingness to trade Nesmith or Nembhard. The 6-9 wing is a three-level scorer who excels at creating his own offense, putting pressure on the rim, and drawing fouls. He also has the frame and defensive tools to be a plus defender.<\/p>\n

Ranking the Other Potential Draft Picks<\/h5>\n

2. Darryn Peterson<\/a>: Peterson is much maligned after his freshman season, but he would fill one of the Pavers’ needs for a combo guard who can create. If the Pacers draft Peterson, they will likely trade either Nemhard or McConnell before the season.<\/p>\n

3. Caleb Wilson:<\/a> Wilson would project to replace Toppin if he is selected. Wilson fits the Pacers’ needs, as he brings versatility, defense, and rebounding.<\/p>\n

4. Cameron Boozer<\/a>: Boozer is an outstanding prospect and would figure to come off the bench for the Pacers<\/a>. He is a better offensive prospect than Wilson, but not as athletic or versatile a defender.<\/p>\n

The Last Word<\/h3>\n

Indiana still has lots of talented. But the offseason plan won’t be known until the NBA draft lottery. Toppin figures to be traded as the Pacers can’t just run things back for a second straight season.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cWe know that it\u2019s not going to just take flipping a switch,\u201d<\/em>\u00a0Siakam said, per\u00a0<\/span>Dopirak<\/a>, after the Pacers season ended on April 12.\u00a0<\/span>\u201cLike, \u2018Oh, we have everybody back, and we\u2019re going to right back where we were at.\u2019 It\u2019s going to take a lot of rebuilding and making sure that we start over. That\u2019s what it\u2019s going to take. As long as we all have that mindset and we go into the summer with that level of seriousness of understanding what it takes to win, what we\u2019re going to need to do to win, I think we\u2019ll be Ok.”<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Indiana Pacers are likely overjoyed that the 2026\u00a0 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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3146,"featured_media":193732,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1608,2,11,62],"tags":[2832,49353,950,49715,652,4557,1208,3147,2607],"class_list":["post-187462","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-basketball","category-featured","category-pacers","category-nba","tag-aaron-nesmith","tag-aj-dybantsa","tag-andrew-nembhard","tag-cameron-boozer","tag-ivica-zubac","tag-nba-offseason","tag-rick-carlisle","tag-tj-mcconnell","tag-tyrese-haliburton"],"modified_by":"Daniel Benjamin","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/187462","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3146"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=187462"}],"version-history":[{"count":21,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/187462\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":193733,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/187462\/revisions\/193733"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/193732"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=187462"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=187462"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=187462"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}