For the better part of the past decade, the Indiana Pacers have been one of the most average teams in the NBA. Despite making the playoffs five times since 2015, the Pacers were bounced in the first round each time.
But now, the Pacers have something that they haven’t had in years – a young, budding franchise star leading the way. Tyrese Haliburton is that guy, and he’s ready to be the face of the franchise.
With Haliburton at the helm, Myles Turner enjoyed a career year last season, and guys like Bennedict Mathurin, Andrew Nembhard, and Aaron Nesmith all looked great, too. But Haliburton doesn’t have a bonafide star next to him.
Indiana has the assets to make a swing for a big trade if one becomes available, so let’s take a look at three potential blockbuster trades for the Pacers to land Haliburton a co-star.
3 Blockbuster Indiana Pacers trades to land Tyrese Haliburton a co-star: Pascal Siakam trade with Toronto Raptors
The Pacers have been rumored to be interested in Pascal Siakam as the Toronto Raptors ponder what direction they want to take their franchise. As of now, they seem content with sitting on their talent, but that could change at any moment.
Adding Siakam to this current Pacers core would be a massive win. Not only would it give the team a secondary (or primary) scorer, but a ton of pressure would be taken off Haliburton.
Siakam has reportedly made it known that he would only sign an extension with the Raptors, however, so that is a concern the Pacers would have to address before making a move like this.
As for Toronto, they would get some solid assets in this deal, highlighted by a pair of first-round picks from the Pacers. Plus, Canadian point guard Nembhard would head north and fill a huge need at the guard spot for the Raptors.
Potential starting lineup: Tyrese Haliburton, Aaron Nesmith, Bruce Brown, Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner
3 Blockbuster Indiana Pacers trades to land Tyrese Haliburton a co-star: Zach LaVine trade with Chicago Bulls
Last summer, the Chicago Bulls handed Zach LaVine a massive contract extension, but unfortunately, they haven’t followed up the move with results. Over the past two years, the Bulls have won just a single playoff game.
If the Bulls continue to disappoint, they could explore trading their star players by the deadline. And if that becomes the case, LaVine could be an interesting target for the Indiana Pacers.
Having LaVine on board would allow Tyrese Haliburton to focus on playmaking. LaVine would be able to carry the scoring load and take pressure off of Haliburton in the process.
For the Bulls, this package would be a great way to offload LaVine’s huge contract, which some teams may be hesitant to take on. But as a small market team, the Pacers could be willing to pay.
Chicago would get a couple of interesting young pieces in Aaron Nesmith and Jordan Nwora, as well as a couple of first-round picks. Plus, Daniel Theis would make his return to the Bulls.
A backcourt of Haliburton and LaVine isn’t necessarily ideal on the defensive end, but the offensive upside combined with the defensive capabilities of the rest of their hypothetical lineup could make up for that.
Potential starting lineup: Tyrese Haliburton, Zach LaVine, Bruce Brown, Jarace Walker, Myles Turner
3 Blockbuster Indiana Pacers trades to land Tyrese Haliburton a co-star: Paul George trade with the LA Clippers
A lot would have to go wrong for the LA Clippers for them to consider trading Paul George. The star forward was brought up in trade rumors this summer, but those were quickly quelled. That said, it’s an interesting proposition,
George will be 33 years old for the majority of the next season, but he’s still one of the best two-way wings in the NBA. Pairing him with the current Indiana Pacers core would be a dream come true.
In his return to Indiana, George would get to act as the primary scorer next to Tyrese Haliburton, with Myles Turner manning the middle of the field. He would improve the Pacers on the offensive end and defensive end.
The only way a trade like this would happen is if the Clippers had a disastrous season next year. They would have to deal with injuries, fail to meet expectations, and by the trade deadline, they’d have to be well out of the playoff race.
That may not be the most realistic scenario, but if it does happen, this wouldn’t be a terrible return for George if the Clippers decide to hit the reset button.
Aaron Nesmith and Obi Toppin are nice young prospects, and the Clippers would also begin to refill their draft cabinet. Again, the Clippers trading George is unlikely, but if he does ever hit the trade market, a return to Indiana would be a storybook ending to his career.
Potential starting lineup: Tyrese Haliburton, Bruce Brown, Paul George, Jarace Walker, Myles Turner