The Indiana Pacers were on the doorstep of capturing their first NBA championship in 2025, until Tyrese Haliburton tore his achilles just minutes into Game 7 against the Thunder. Not only did that compromise Indiana’s chances at a championship, but also their 2025-26 season.
With Haliburton on the sidelines, the Pacers were forced to tank, but also find a way to upgrade their roster for their star point guard so they would be ready to contend again when he returned. They accomplished that by acquiring Ivica Zubac from the Clippers.
Unfortunately for Indiana, they had to part with their first-round pick in that deal. They loosened the protections on the pick, meaning if it stayed in the top four, the they would keep it. If it fell out of the top-four, it would go to LA. It fell out of the top four, so now the Clippers have the fifth pick in the draft and the Pacers have nothing, making their tank futile.
It was the worst-case scenario for Indiana and now they have to pivot quickly. Their next step should be obvious this summer.
The Pacers have to go all-in and make a blockbuster move for a starÂ
Whether it’s for an older star like Kawhi Leonard, or Kevin Durant, or someone like Trey Murphy, Michael Porter Jr., or Lauri Markkanen, Indiana has to go all-in on this roster now.Â
It would have been nice to add a top prospect that could help for now and the future in a loaded draft class, but Indiana lost that chance they they acquired Zubac. Now, they have no choice but to go all-in.
With the East being wide-open, the time is now for the Pacers. During their last two healthy seasons, they reached the conference finals and the NBA Finals. With no young blue-chip prospect coming, shifting fully to win-now mode for the Haliburton era should be the priority.
Adding someone like Leonard or Durant would immediately make Indiana championship favorites. Either forward would be perfect fits next to Haliburton and Pascal Siakam. It would open up the Pacers’ offense even more, allowing them to remain potent in transition, but also being tough to stop in the halfcourt.
Indiana overpaid for Zubac, but he shores up their center spot for the foreseeable future. Continuing to make more moves that upgrade their roster and allow for Haliburton to be brought along slowly will keep their championship window open for longer.
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