Pacers Explore Trade Market for Long-Term Center as Early-Season Struggles Mount

The Indiana Pacers have opened the season looking far removed from the team that reached the NBA Finals last year. After pushing the Oklahoma City Thunder to the brink in June, Indiana has stumbled to a 6–18 start, placing 14th in the Eastern Conference and searching for stability on both ends of the floor. Their struggles have been compounded by a depleted roster, most notably the absence of All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton and the departure of longtime center Myles Turner.

Indiana’s sudden drop-off has highlighted structural issues within the lineup, particularly at the center position. While the organization understood there would be adjustments following Turner’s exit in free agency, the hole left behind has proved larger than expected. The internal committee approach has not produced consistent results, amplifying the urgency to find a long-term solution.

According to reporting from ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Pacers are already acting on that need. Indiana has opened trade discussions around the league, signaling a clear intention to secure their center of the future. The move reflects a front office eager to pivot quickly rather than allow the season to drift further off course.

In the wake of an unexpected Finals run and the subsequent roster turnover, Indiana faces a delicate balancing act: developing long-term pieces while remaining competitive. The pursuit of a new center is viewed as a foundational step in addressing both goals.

1. Pacers Seek Stability After Turner’s Exit

The Pacers’ search for a new anchor stems from Turner’s departure in free agency—a move that ended his long tenure in Indiana shortly after the team’s deep postseason run. Turner signed a four-year, $108.9 million contract with the Milwaukee Bucks, leaving behind a defensive and interior presence the Pacers have struggled to replicate. Replacing a player with Turner’s skill set is no small task. His rim protection, spacing, and experience formed a core element of Indiana’s defensive identity for years. Without him, the Pacers have lacked a stabilizing force in the paint, contributing to their early-season defensive lapses and difficulty closing games. Indiana’s attempt to fill the void with internal options has produced mixed results at best. While the effort has been there, the consistency has not. The team’s struggles underscore the challenge of identifying a center capable of anchoring a playoff-caliber roster. With Haliburton sidelined and the offense under increased strain, the absence of a dependable big man has become even more glaring. The Pacers’ decision to pursue trade options reflects both immediate needs and long-term aspirations.

2. Internal Options Fall Short of Long-Term Vision

In Turner’s absence, Indiana has turned to a rotation featuring Isaiah Jackson, Jay Huff, and Tony Bradley—each offering complementary skills but none fully addressing the franchise’s long-term needs at the position. Jackson has shown flashes of athleticism and defensive upside, but has yet to demonstrate he can thrive as a full-time starter. His inconsistency on both ends has left the coaching staff hesitant to rely on him as the permanent solution. Bradley, meanwhile, has played a limited role and has not carved out a meaningful spot in the rotation. Huff has emerged as the most productive of the trio, providing energy, finishing, and occasional rim protection. Still, internal evaluations suggest he may be better suited as a rotational piece rather than a foundational center on a contending team. The lack of a clear successor to Turner has contributed to Indiana’s instability this season. The Pacers’ evaluation of these internal options appears to have accelerated their timeline. None have fully seized the role, making outside help a more compelling avenue as the team looks to build a sustainable core around Haliburton.

3. Walker Kessler Emerges as Top Trade Target

Given the scarcity of available centers, one name continues to stand out on the Pacers’ radar: Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz. Indiana has reportedly expressed interest dating back to last offseason, and Kessler’s skill set aligns with the franchise’s desire for a long-term, developmental fit. Kessler’s age, shot-blocking ability, and rebounding make him an appealing successor to Turner’s defensive presence. Despite being sidelined for the year with a shoulder injury, he remains a player many teams view as having significant untapped potential. His contract situation in Utah further increases the likelihood he could be moved under the right circumstances. For Indiana, acquiring Kessler would represent a significant investment in their defensive structure. His ability to protect the rim and anchor the paint fits the long-term model the Pacers are trying to rebuild. While other options may surface, few align as closely with Indiana’s needs. As the Pacers explore the trade market, the front office’s pursuit of a franchise center underscores its commitment to reshaping the roster and reestablishing a competitive identity in the Eastern Conference.