The Indiana Pacers are entering a critical phase as the NBA Trade Deadline approaches on Thursday, February 5, at 3:00 p.m. ET. With the franchise looking to solidify its position in the Eastern Conference, front office executives have been actively exploring options to bolster their frontcourt depth. The team's motivation has been intensified by the extended absence of All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who continues his rehabilitation from a significant Achilles injury that has sidelined him for the remainder of the season.
This unfortunate circumstance has shifted the Pacers' priorities toward securing reliable big men who can function as effective pick-and-roll partners and provide interior defensive presence. The organization understands that building a more robust frontcourt is essential for maintaining competitiveness during this transitional period.
According to respected NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Pacers have identified Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford as a potential acquisition target. Fischer's reporting from December 9th highlighted Indiana's interest in Gafford specifically as a lob threat who could develop chemistry with Haliburton once he returns to full health. The 25-year-old big man has demonstrated his ability to finish above the rim and protect the paint, making him an attractive option for a Pacers team seeking athleticism in the middle.
Michael Scotto of HoopsHype provided additional context during his appearance on the Setting The Pace podcast in December, revealing that Indiana's front office has compiled a comprehensive list of eight players under consideration. At that time, Scotto confirmed two specific names: Keon Ellis and Daniel Gafford. While Ellis, a former Sacramento Kings guard, has since been traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers as part of a three-team deal involving the Chicago Bulls, Gafford remains with the Mavericks and available for the right price.
The Pacers' search for frontcourt help doesn't end there. Scotto also reported that both Indiana and the Boston Celtics have expressed significant interest in Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac. However, acquiring the 27-year-old Croatian big man would come at a steep cost. League sources indicate that the Clippers would demand at least two first-round draft picks to even consider parting with their starting center, who has become a cornerstone of their defensive scheme. For the Pacers, this asking price represents a substantial investment that would require careful consideration of their long-term asset management strategy.
On January 15th, Scotto added another name to Indiana's radar during an appearance on the YES Network. He reported that the Pacers, along with the Golden State Warriors and several other franchises, have shown interest in Brooklyn Nets center Nicolas Claxton. The 25-year-old defensive specialist has established himself as one of the league's premier shot-blockers and switchable big men, making him an ideal fit for modern NBA defensive schemes. His ability to guard multiple positions while providing rim protection would address several of Indiana's defensive deficiencies.
Reinforcing the notion that Indiana is leaving no stone unturned, Jake Fischer reported on January 15th that Pacers officials contacted the Atlanta Hawks to inquire about the availability of Onyeka Okongwu. The former sixth overall pick has developed into a reliable two-way big man, though his role has been somewhat limited behind All-Star Clint Capela. Fischer noted in his Stein Line column that expectations persist throughout the Eastern Conference that Indiana will continue pursuing frontcourt upgrades until the final buzzer sounds on February 5th.
The search for center help has also led the Pacers to monitor Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen, according to Sam Amico of HoopsWire.com and co-host of Full Court Cleveland. Amico shared on January 16th that Indiana is keeping tabs on the two-time All-Star, who has been a consistent presence in the middle for Cleveland. While the Cavaliers have shown no indication they're willing to move Allen, the Pacers' interest demonstrates their ambition to target high-impact players.
Perhaps the most intriguing development involves New Orleans Pelicans rookie Yves Missi. Jake Fischer reported on January 22nd that Indiana has registered interest in the 20-year-old center from Baylor. The Pacers' front office sees potential in the young big man, though any trade discussion would be complicated. Fischer described a potential straight-up swap involving Indiana's Bennedict Mathurin as an "incomplete deal framework," with the Pacers hoping to extract greater value for their promising wing. This suggests that while Indiana likes Missi, they view Mathurin as a more valuable asset and would require additional compensation.
The interest in Missi has intensified in recent weeks. On January 30th, Will Guillory of The Athletic reported that the Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks, and Toronto Raptors are showing the most serious trade interest in the Pelicans rookie. This competition could drive up the price for Missi, forcing the Pacers to decide how aggressively they want to pursue a player who has shown flashes of potential but remains relatively unproven at the NBA level.
The Pacers' comprehensive approach to the trade market reflects their understanding of the current competitive landscape in the Eastern Conference. With several teams vying for playoff positioning, Indiana recognizes that incremental improvements could make the difference between a first-round exit and a deeper postseason run. The front office's willingness to consider both established veterans like Zubac and Allen, as well as developmental prospects like Missi, demonstrates a balanced strategy that weighs immediate needs against future potential.
However, executing these trades presents significant challenges. The asking price for premium centers like Zubac remains prohibitively high, while interest in players like Claxton and Missi involves competition from multiple suitors. The Pacers must also balance their desire to win now with the need to preserve assets for when Haliburton returns to full strength. Any move they make must align with their long-term vision of building a sustainable contender around their young core.
As the February 5th deadline approaches, Pacers fans should expect continued activity and speculation. The front office has shown they are proactive in identifying targets and initiating conversations. Whether they ultimately land a significant upgrade or make smaller complementary moves, it's clear that Indiana is committed to strengthening their frontcourt options. The coming days will reveal which of these rumored targets, if any, will be wearing a Pacers uniform when the trade buzzer sounds.