Earlier this month, reports surfaced that suggested the Indiana Pacers had interest in Atlanta Hawks center Onyeka Okongwu. But according to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, Atlanta doesn't have real interest in moving the 25-year-old.
"Despite interest from the Indiana Pacers and other teams who’ve checked in on Onyeka Okongwu, the Hawks have been resistant to moving their 25-year-old center, league sources told HoopsHype. Meanwhile, Atlanta has been open to adding frontcourt depth if the right fit presents itself," Scotto wrote.
The Pacers need to make a decision by the trade deadline
It's no secret that Indiana has a very questionable center situation. Myles Turner left in the offseason, and the team hasn't been able to replace him yet.
But let it be told that they have tried.
This season, the Pacers have auditioned Jay Huff, Isaiah Jackson, Tony Bradley (twice), James Wiseman (twice), and Micah Potter as they find their next starting center. Outside of maybe (but probably not) Huff, none of these players are realistic candidates for the job. And that might be fine for this season, but it won't be for the next one as they look to re-enter the title picture with a healthy Tyrese Haliburton.
In theory, Okongwu would've been a great addition for the Pacers. He provides a lot of value on both sides of the ball as someone who can finish at the rim (and seemingly space the floor as he is shooting a career-high 36.7% from deep on 5.4 attempts this season) and protect the rim and guard multiple positions.
However, let's just be honest: he was never going to be a realistic trade target for Indiana. It would've been way too expensive to acquire him given his talent and potential. And unless the Hawks trade for Anthony Davis, Okongwu isn't going anywhere. He has developed into a legitimate asset for Atlanta and is becoming a big part of its core.
Regardless, the Pacers are still in need of a new center and will have to look in other directions. So far, they have been linked to a plethora of big men, including Ivica Zubac, Walker Kessler, Daniel Gafford, Yves Missi, and Nick Richards.
All of these options are solid, but either they're just not attainable for the Pacers, or they don't move the needle enough. At that point, Indiana must decide just how desperate it is for a new big man. Is the team willing to just take the best possible deal and jump at the first chance they get to replace Turner, or will they choose to just finish the season and re-evaluate in the summer?
The trade deadline is less than a week away, and the Pacers will be a team to monitor. But barring something unforeseeable, it's fair to assume that Okongwu is not going to be in their plans at all.