Indiana Pacers: Which Indiana natives could return home?

Which players with Indiana ties could make a return to play for the Indiana Pacers this summer?

Every offseason, there is a large contingent of national media that assumes any player with ties back to Hoosier state is an option for the Indiana Pacers in free agency or via trade. This year, that group of potential additions has expanded once again with several rumors already suggesting the Pacers could take that route.

Regardless of where you stand on the Pacers and their desire to compete in the Eastern Conference, there will always be a different narrative from the national level. The NBA Finals is featuring two smaller markets this season but that will not stop them from hammering home the idea that small markets cannot win.

The Pacers, who have had some success but have never reached the pinnacle, have a good enough roster right now to make some noise. Adding key veterans and a high-upside rookie this summer could raise the bar enough to shift things back to an optimistic outlook.

This offseason has already been an interesting one for the Pacers after hiring Rick Carlisle as the next head coach and dealing with constant trade rumors and speculation. The most common trade discussions surrounding the Pacers deal with their two centers, Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis, but other names have been tossed around as well.

With a handful of Indiana natives set to become available this summer, which guys are realistic – and worthy – options for the Pacers?