Obi Toppin has had his two best NBA seasons in each of his first two years with the Indiana Pacers, and may need to add to that streak to ensure that he remains with the team for the long haul.
With Tyrese Haliburton out for the year and Myles Turner having signed with the Milwaukee Bucks, many other players on the team will have to step it up. Though most immediately look to guys like Andrew Nembhard or Bennedict Mathurin, Toppin is another player who may have an expanded role. What he does with this opportunity could determine just how much longer his stay in Indiana will be.
Obi Toppin is a potential trade candidate for Indiana
Since acquiring him from the New York Knicks in 2023, the Pacers have gotten a great return out of Toppin. The Dayton alum has gradually improved in each area of his game, and he quickly became an important part of their success. However, Toppin's time in Indiana could be coming to an end.
The 27-year-old is entering the second season of his four-year, $58 million contract, which is widely considered the most tradable one on the team. This, combined with the fact that he is directly standing in the way of Jarace Walker getting more consistent playing time, makes him an easy trade candidate for the Pacers. Furthermore, if the Pacers do ultimately sign Mathurin to a new deal next summer, they may be looking to shed some salary to continue avoiding paying the luxury tax.
There is a lot to like about Toppin's game. He has developed into a solid, well-rounded player, and he has developed into a legitimate three-point shooting threat. However, he doesn't have a high ceiling, and trading him may be the Pacers' best option if they want to commit to Walker for the foreseeable future.
Indiana is going to look like a completely different team next season. Even so, they are likely going to aim to compete despite being counted out by many. In order for them to shock the basketball world and go on another deep playoff run, they will need the entire roster to bring their A-game. This includes Toppin, who may have a lot more to play for than meets the eye.
Toppin's future in Indiana is far from decided, but with another great season, the Pacers may have no choice but to keep him around. Regardless, he will be a key player to monitor as he and the team look to show the world just how good they can be even without their star guard.