The Indiana Pacers are off to a troubling 10-15 start. They reached the conference finals in 2024 and believed they were one of the elite teams in the East. Instead, the Pacers' road struggle are problematic as they continue to search for answers. With trade season heating up, Indiana will certainly attempt to make moves to resurrect their season.
The Pacers made last season's run behind an elite offense, but they currently sit 19th in offensive rating and 23rd in net. Those stats must improve. Injuries have played a factor, and the Pacers must fill holes to get back into the playoffs.
Their key to making an impactful trade may be a player who appeared in just one game this season. There is a renewed focus on minimum contracts across the league (subscription required) as the NBA’s new apron restrictions are squeezing several contenders. That could make James Wiseman a valuable commodity.
Pacers desperately need to trade James Wiseman before the deadline
The second overall draft pick in 2020 signed a two-year minimum contract with the Pacers this offseason. Only $500,000 is guaranteed. Indiana has a team option for the 2025-26 season, but Wiseman should not be cut. He tore his Achilles after just five minutes on the floor and is out for the season. The Pacers should use his contract to acquire a reserve big man or as a salary-matcher in a larger deal.
Wiseman is virtually an expiring contract. The acquiring team could decline his option for next season and make him an unrestricted free agent. The Pacers' only other expiring salaries are Myles Turner, James Johnson, and Isaiah Jackson. To acquire a starting-caliber player, they would need to give up Jarace Walker or Obi Toppin plus additional players to make the math work. That deal could make Wiseman a linchpin of its success.
The Pacers are $7 million below the first tax apron and just $1.6 million under the tax. Indiana will want to stay below the tax line, which could make Wiseman's $2.2 million salary a key piece of a trade.
There should be no qualms about trading James Wiseman. The Paces took a flier on a former top pick who was struggling to find his footing in the NBA. It did not work out. Indiana should move on before the deadline as they try to maximize their roster.
The Indiana Pacers must find a wing and a big man. Making those moves is easier said than done and won’t instantly fix the franchise. Tyrese Haliburton must play like a star. The franchise can make another deep playoff run but needs to get back on track. Trading James Wiseman may be the first step in making that a reality.