The Indiana Pacers enter the 2025-26 season with some challenges. Fresh off a surprising run to the 2024-25 NBA Finals, the team now finds itself without franchise cornerstone Myles Turner, who walked in free agency, and without All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton, sidelined for the season as he recovers from a torn Achilles.
Despite these setbacks, the Pacers remain determined to stay competitive and maintain the strong foundation that carried them to championship contention.
After all, Isaiah Jackson and Obi Toppin are better suited for energy roles off the bench and are better on rebuilding teams. To remain a threat in the Eastern Conference, the Pacers could look to the trade market, and one intriguing option may come from the Brooklyn Nets.
Proposed Trade DetailsÂ
Indiana Pacers Receive: Nic ClaxtonÂ
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Obi Toppin, Isaiah Jackson, 2028 first-round pick, 2030 second-round pick, 2032 second-round pick
In this potential deal, Indiana could acquire Nic Claxton from Brooklyn in exchange for Obi Toppin, Isaiah Jackson, a future first-round pick, and two second-rounders. Let’s dive into why this move could make sense for both teams.
Â
Indiana Pacers Find New Starting Center
The Pacers will be searching for stability at the center position ever since Myles Turner departed in free agency, leaving behind a void that can’t be easily filled. Turner’s ability to protect the rim, stretch the floor, and anchor the defense was integral to Indiana’s Finals run in 2024-25.
Without him, and with Tyrese Haliburton sidelined, the Pacers have been forced to reimagine their identity. Adding Nic Claxton (10.3 PPG, 7.4 RPG) offers them a chance to maintain defensive talent while adapting to a more athletic style of play.
Claxton’s switchability, vertical presence, and rim-running ability fit perfectly alongside Indiana’s fast-paced offense and versatile forwards. He is also only 26 years old and that fits the Pacers timeline right now.
He’s also one of the league’s most natural shot blockers, averaging 1.7 per game over his career while showing improved discipline as a help defender. On offense, he thrives as a lob target and pick-and-roll finisher which is an ideal match once Haliburton returns to orchestrate the offense.
In terms of short and long-term planning, Claxton fits the bill. He doesn’t space the floor like Turner (only 23.8% from deep last season), but is more mobile and will bring similar shot-blocking ability.
Â
Brooklyn Nets Continue Their Tanking Process
For the Brooklyn Nets, moving Nic Claxton would signal a full embrace of their rebuilding phase. After several seasons of uncertainty following the Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving era, the Nets can embrace the tank without winning players.
Trading Claxton, one of their most valuable assets, would be a difficult but important step toward maximizing long-term flexibility. In exchange for Claxton, Brooklyn lands Obi Toppin, Isaiah Jackson, and three future picks (one first-rounder, two seconds), giving them a nice rebuild package.
Both Toppin and Jackson fit Brooklyn’s developmental timeline. Toppin (10.5 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 36.5% 3-PT FG), still just 27, has shown flashes of offensive versatility and could flourish with more touches in an open system. Jackson (7.0 PPG, 5.6 RPG) offers elite athleticism and defensive instincts, giving the Nets another young big to evaluate.
More importantly, the incoming draft picks would help replenish Brooklyn’s assets, which remain limited after past superstar trades. With the Nets currently projected near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, this is a solid deal for them.
Â
A Fair Deal For Both Sides, But Pacers Win Bigger
On paper, this trade works for both teams, but it’s Indiana that walks away with the immediate edge. The Pacers acquire a proven starting center who fits seamlessly into their system.
Claxton provides a defensive identity the team sorely needs and gives them the athletic, versatile big man who thrives in modern playoff basketball. For a team that just reached the Finals, keeping their defensive ceiling high is crucial, and this move accomplishes exactly that without surrendering the most important pieces of their core.
The Nets, meanwhile, gain value by converting Claxton into a collection of upside pieces and picks, which aligns with their long-term rebuild. Still, while the return is respectable, none of the assets individually projects as franchise-changing.
Ultimately, both sides address their priorities, but Indiana’s benefit is more immediate. The Pacers stabilize their frontcourt, retain their competitive style under Rick Carlisle, and stay afloat in the East despite Haliburton’s absence.
Â
