The Indiana Pacers' biggest dreams for the 2026 NBA Draft were dashed after relinquishing the No. 5 overall pick to the Los Angeles Clippers as a result of their mid-season Ivica Zubac trade. Visions of AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, or Cam Boozer rocking a Pacers hat on draft night and joining forces with Tyrese Haliburton ultimately became mirages. However, a loaded draft class could help Indiana reshape the narrative around their draft day predicament heading into the two-day event.
Moving on from this kind of gut-punch will be tough for the organization, but a second-round pick transaction might restore a bit of hope. Reports from The Stein Line's Jake Fischer indicate that the Pacers wish to do just that by acquiring an early second-rounder via trade with hopes of snagging a star-level talent that slips down the board.
Several high-upside talents like Ebuka Okorie, Zuby Ejiofor, and Koa Peat could slip past the first round due to a myriad of factors, and the Pacers could be prepared to right their previous wrongs with a stellar, under-the-radar selection in Round two.
Pacers might avenge No. 5 pick disaster with savvy trade decision
Though it's still unclear whether or not the Pacers' plan to move into the second round is set in stone, there are plenty of intriguing options for a squad looking to fill a few holes.
For one, Indiana's front office has been keeping an eye on hometown product and historic play-making guard, Braden Smith, according to the Indianapolis Star's Gregg Doyel. The Purdue Boilermakers legend just finished his career as the NCAA's all-time career assists leader (1,103), but plenty of question marks come with his 6-foot, 170-pound frame. NBA scouts aren't quite sure what to make of Smith's physical attributes, but he's the best passer in his draft class. Full stop.
If the Pacers can complete a deal with the New York Knicks, Memphis Grizzlies, or Brooklyn Nets to land a top-three selection to begin the second round, it's not a stretch to believe that the Westfield, Indiana native and prolific floor general would be prioritized by the franchise's top brass. At the very least, he'd be able to develop with the Pacers' G-League affiliate Noblesville Boom until the time comes for T.J. McConnell to ride off into the sunset.
Aside from Smith, a physical forward presence like St. John's Ejiofor could reinvigorate the Pacers' bench unit. The 2026 Big East Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year is a bowling ball heading towards the basket and an elite shot-blocking force.
An important decision awaits for the Indiana Pacers, but the opportunity to land a first-round talent at a discount could be too tempting for the franchise to pass up.
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