Indiana Pacers: Ultimate 2021 NBA Free Agency Guide

Which storylines should Indiana Pacers fans monitor in free agency?

As usual, the seemingly eternal question regarding the future of their big man tandem in Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner lingers. However, gauging the rumor mill gives the impression that the latter is more available in a deal.

We’ve seen this storyline before, but this time, things may get a bit more concrete than ever. With interest for Turner peaking on the transaction scale, dangling him for a small-ball catalyst will not be surprising, but is the team finally willing to pull the trigger on a massive shapeshifter?

What the Indiana Pacers plan on doing in the sign-and-trade market is also worth watching. With the team’s abundance of fringe All-Star players on very good deals, the team could be a key player on the market for trades. Lonzo Ball is one realistic example that the front office can target in a sign-and-trade scenario.

There have also been rumblings on the availability of scorer TJ Warren, especially with his own free agency coming soon. However, given the Pacers’ high regard for the forward, it’s unlikely that they will trade him this summer, unless a no-brainer offer comes their way, which is similarly improbable for him after being out for almost all of last season.

Meanwhile, guard/wing Jeremy Lamb, who’s on an expiring deal, would be an easy asset to move for Indiana to shed some salary. Interest for him should be quite modest, though, especially with his injury history. However, his scoring ability off the bench could upend that.

Lastly, the Indiana Pacers should be a team to watch in the market for veterans, especially with Rick Carlisle now manning the sidelines and the team’s actual need for a stronger locker room presence. Nevertheless, the team will be more active on the trade market, especially with their cap limitations.