NBA Rumor Claims Indiana Pacers ‘Getting the Lay of the Land’ For Huge Trade Deadline Move: 4 Likely Big-Name Targets

An NBA executive claims the Indiana Pacers could be a sleeping trade giant heading into the 2026-27 season.

The Pacers and their fanbase knew this past season was going to be a long year once top star Tyrese Haliburton tore his Achilles in the 2025 NBA Finals. However, there are many who believe Indiana is a sleeper team in the Eastern Conference going into the 2026-27 campaign.

The two-time All-Star will be back healthy after sitting out all of the 2025-26 season. They still have talented forward Pascal Siakam . And before last season's trade deadline, they gave up control of their first-round pick in June to the Los Angeles Clippers for underrated impact big man Ivica Zubac . It is a strong trio that will be backed by a solid roster that includes Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith .

Yet, they may not be done making big moves if the front office believes they are in serious contention to make a second trip to the Finals in three seasons, according to an Eastern Conference executive who spoke to Heavy's Sean Deveney.

"They were kind of quiet this summer, but they made their move with (Zubac). But quiet does not mean they were not busy. I think they were as busy as anyone, getting the lay of the land on what trades might be there for them at the deadline." – Anonymous East Executive

"They were kind of quiet this summer, but they made their move with (Zubac). But quiet does not mean they were not busy. I think they were as busy as anyone, getting the lay of the land on what trades might be there for them at the deadline."

4 big names Indiana Pacers could eventually pursue in a trade

The Pacers are set at their top two frontcourt spots and at point guard. If they do make a big move, it will likely be a deal for a skilled swingman or bench depth. If they looked to add a good small forward or shooting guard to the roster, who could they target?

It's hard to get an idea of how things will look before the 2027 trade deadline. However, there are certain teams that are likely heading toward losing seasons and will be sellers in February. One likely target would be New Orleans Pelicans swingman Trey Murphy III . His scoring ability and athleticism would be a nice fit for the Pacers.

Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. has been on the trade block for months and is sure to be moved at some point. He would give Indiana more size and athleticism in the frontcourt, as well as a dangerous third scoring option.

The Clippers should also be sellers in the winter as they look to get back some of the first-round picks they lost in the Kawhi Leonard salary cap circumvention investigation. So, both Brandon Ingram and Darius Garland could be available to make big impacts for the Pacers.