In a heartbreaking Game 7 on June 22, 2025, the Indiana Pacers fell just short of the NBA title, losing 103-91 to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The blow was compounded when superstar Tyrese Haliburton, the engine behind their remarkable postseason run, suffered a devastating Achilles tear in the first quarter.
The Pacers finished the 2024-25 campaign with a 50-32 record and the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference, before utilizing their 7th-ranked offense (117.4 PPG) to go 12-4 in the postseason until the NBA Finals. Yet even in defeat, the resilience of this young, deeply talented roster offers hope.
With a core that battled through adversity and an Eastern Conference suddenly wide open, Indiana’s front office faces a pivotal offseason: adapt, retool, and run it back. The Pacers should have these 10 players on their radar as they head into the 2025 offseason.
1. Malcolm Brogdon
Contract Status: Unrestricted Free Agent
Malcolm Brogdon posted averages of 12.7 PPG, 3.8 RPG, and 4.1 APG in just 23.5 minutes per game over 24 appearances for Washington in 2024-25, shooting 43.3% from the field and 88.0% at the free-throw line. At 32, his career spanned roles as both primary ball-handler and secondary creator, with career averages of 15.3 PPG and 4.1 APG.
From a fit perspective, Brogdon can seamlessly bridge the gap while Haliburton recovers, providing veteran ball-handling alongside Nembhard and alleviating pressure on the PG spot. His two‑way game (capable defender on 1-3, solid IQ) pairs well with Siakam, Turner, and defensive wings like Nesmith and Toppin. On a reasonable one‑year deal, Brogdon offers the Pacers insurance, professionalism, and a versatile guard who could hold their own during playoff minutes, even post-Hali.
2. Naz Reid
Proposed Trade Details
Indiana Pacers Receive: Naz Reid (Sign-and-Trade)
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: Isaiah Jackson (Sign-and-Trade), Jarace Walker (Sign-and-Trade), Ben Sheppard
Naz Reid is a 6’9″, 264-lb center who averaged 14.2 PPG and 6.0 RPG over 27.5 minutes in 2024-25, with a respectable 46.2% FG and 37.9% 3-point clip. Reid can score in space and on the block, alleviating pressure from Siakam and Turner while Haliburton works back to full strength.
His 6.0 rebounds per game and 2.3 assists per contest add value as a playmaking big, fitting versatile-style lineups when Indiana uses smaller lineups with Nesmith or Toppin. A Reid acquisition would give the Pacers a reliable third scoring option inside, while maintaining defensive heft, ideal for a team eager to re-tool quickly and contend in the open East.
3. Jonathan Kuminga
Proposed Trade Details
Indiana Pacers Receive: Jonathan Kuminga
Golden State Warriors Receive: Isaiah Jackson (Sign-and-Trade), Jarace Walker (Sign-and-Trade), Ben Sheppard, 2027 First-Round Pick (GSW), 2025 No. 54 overall pick
At just 22, Jonathan Kuminga has flashed star potential, averaging 15.3 PPG, 4.6 RPG, and 2.2 APG across 47 games in 2024-25. His playoff breakout, a 30-point performance in Game 3 of the Western semis, showcased his ability to carry an offense and defend at a high level.
Kuminga’s athleticism and scoring versatility would inject a needed spark into Indiana’s wing rotation, creating a three-level threat alongside Nesmith and Haliburton. As a restricted free agent who is not in Steve Kerr’s plans in Golden State, Indiana could leverage cap flexibility and draft assets to pry him away.
His two-way upside would mesh well with Siakam’s playmaking and Turner’s space usage. He’d bring length, defensive switchability, and a high-upside scoring punch that helps make Indiana’s title push sustainable as Haliburton returns from injury.
4. Donte DiVincenzo
Proposed Trade Details
Indiana Pacers Receive: Donte DiVincenzo
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: Jarace Walker, Ben Sheppard, Tony Bradley (Sign-and-Trade), 2025 No. 54 overall pick
In 2024-25 with Minnesota, Donte DiVincenzo averaged 11.7 PPG, 3.7 RPG, and 3.6 APG in 25.9 MPG, shooting a stellar 39.7% from three and 77.8% from the line. Across 15 playoff games, he logged 8.7 PPG, 3.1 RPG, and 3.3 APG, with 1.4 steals per game, decreased numbers but with a decent impact.
A veteran of a playoff team and respected as a scrappy competitor, he’s the kind of dogged role player who elevates a winning culture, even Magic Johnson called his “swagger” and toughness irreplaceable. DiVincenzo would slot in as a versatile 2/3 swing, since his catch-and-shoot ability adds elite spacing for a team that could use more scorers.
He would be acquired via sign-and-trade, and DiVincenzo would deliver immediate two-way versatility, flavor, and intangible edge Indiana needs for another deep run in an open Eastern Conference. If the Timberwolves want to ship out DiVincenzo for some new faces, the Pacers could offer a decent trade package.
5. Malik Beasley
Contract Status: Unrestricted Free Agent
Malik Beasley had arguably the best scoring season of his career in 2024-25, averaging 16.3 PPG on 43.0% shooting and hauling in 2.6 RPG. His 41.6% three-point accuracy marks him as a lethal catch-and-shoot specialist, perfect tape-and-space with Haliburton’s kick-outs.
Beasley is used to high volume and assumes confidence under pressure, a capable closer in tight game situations. As an unrestricted free agent, Beasley would build the wing depth Indiana needs, inserting more firepower beside Nesmith and Toppin.
In small-ball settings with Siakam and Turner on the floor, Beasley’s scoring instantly boosts spacing. He’d bring veteran scoring instincts to a youthful roster, helping to offset any scoring deficiencies while Hali comes back.
6. Ty Jerome
Contract Status: Unrestricted Free Agent
Ty Jerome averaged 12.5 PPG, 3.4 APG, and shot an efficient 51.6% FGs and 43.9% across 70 games for Cleveland in 2024-25. His near-50/40/90 shooting efficiency and steady playmaking earned him a reliable bench role, which is why he finished 3rd in Sixth Man of the Year voting.
Offensively, Jerome’s ability to space the floor and run offense complements Haliburton’s vision and can relieve pressure from him. Defensively, he plays smart, disciplined basketball, ideal for matchups against second-unit guards.
As a low-cost free agent, he represents insurance and depth at the 2-guard spot, capable of jumping into the rotation seamlessly with high-level efficiency. The question is, would Jerome be willing to accept less money for a bigger role with the Pacers?
7. Dennis Schroder
Contract Status: Unrestricted Free Agent
In 2024-25, Schroder played for three different teams, Brooklyn, Golden State, and Detroit, and averaged 13.1 PPG, 5.4 APG, and 2.6 RPG on 40.6% FG across 75 regular-season games. He stepped up big time during Detroit’s postseason push, averaging 12.5 PPG, 3.7 APG, and 1.2 SPG in 27.3 minutes per contest over six playoff games.
At 31, he brings high-level scoring without the ball, excellent pick-and-roll execution, and proven postseason resilience. Schroder’s fit in Indiana would be immediately impactful. His aggressive playmaking and on-ball defense provide valuable backcourt depth behind Haliburton and Nembhard.
He’s known as a “pest” defender who can hound opposing guards full-court, allowing Pacers wings like Nesmith and Toppin to stay fresh. Offensively, his ability to initiate sets or strike as a secondary creator meshes well with Haliburton’s gravity-driven spacing.
8. Derrick Jones Jr.
Proposed Trade Details
Indiana Pacers Receive: Derrick Jones Jr.
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Jarace Walker (Sign-and-Trade), Ben Sheppard, 2027 First-Round Pick (GSW)
Derrick Jones Jr. averaged 10.1 PPG, 3.4 RPG, and shot 52.6% from the field in 24.3 MPG with the Clippers, bringing athleticism and energy. Starting 55 games, he recorded 10.6 PPG, 3.6 RPG, and 1.1 SPG, an impactful contributor on defense.
Jones’ 6’6″ perimeter length and jump-out of the gym athleticism could anchor the Pacers’ bench defense, disrupting passing lanes and protecting the paint. A sign-and-trade deal could yield Jones at a team-friendly cost, and his role as a streaky but explosive wing scorer fits the mold of a high-variance bench spark.
Around Haliburton, Siakam, Nesmith, and Turner, Jones can occupy the 3–4 swing spot in small-ball lineups, offering elite transition scoring and fetch-rebounding, exactly the kind of boost that can tip close playoff series.
9. Gary Trent Jr.
Contract Status: Unrestricted Free Agent
Gary Trent Jr. averaged a steady 11.1 PPG, shooting 41.6% from distance in his first year with Milwaukee. At 26, he’s a proven shooter with experience in playoff rotations and a demonstrated knack for hitting big shots, like his 33-point outburst in Game 3 against Indiana.
Indiana’s bench would benefit from his knockdown shooting, allowing Haliburton and Siakam to leverage catch-and-shoot spacing. Trent offers two-way upside, holds defensive chops, and is affordable, likely within the mid-level exception. His addition would shore up perimeter reliability, giving the Pacers a consistent threat beyond the starters.
10. Dorian Finney-Smith
Proposed Trade Details
Indiana Pacers Receive: Dorian Finney-Smith (Sign-and-Trade)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Isaiah Jackson (Sign-and-Trade), Jarace Walker (Sign-and-Trade), Ben Sheppard, 2025 No. 54 overall pick
Dorian Finney-Smith, age 32, averaged 8.7 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.4 APG while shooting 44.8% from the field and 39.8% from three in 2024-25 with the Lakers. A career 36.2% three-point shooter over 591 games, he provides veteran “3-and-D” value, elite perimeter shooting combined with lockdown defense, capable of guarding 1 through 5 thanks to his length, IQ, and physicality.
In a sign-and-trade like this, Indiana would acquire a proven secondary wing in exchange for future picks and three youngsters. Offensively, Finney-Smith spaces the floor as a floor-spacing corner threat, crucial when Hali collapses defences or Siakam dives into the paint.
Defensively, his ability to switch onto multiple positions relieves pressure on Nesmith/Toppin and reinforces perimeter defense, which will be critical in next season’s playoff run. If the Lakers want to move Finney-Smith for more depth, Indiana could have the right package for them.
