The Indiana Pacers reportedly want to make a trade for a center this season (specifically Dallas Mavericks big man Daniel Gafford), but they have limited assets. In order for them to make a deal, they would likely have to trade Bennedict Mathurin or Andrew Nembhard, and unless it's an obvious upgrade, this would not be a smart move for them to make.
Pacers would struggle to acquire Daniel Gafford
Jake Fischer reported that Indiana had interest in Gafford before news broke that Dereck Lively II would miss the entire season to undergo foot surgery (h/t Shams Charania of ESPN). With Lively out, Dallas may be inclined to keep Gafford around. But either way, the Pacers likely wouldn't be able to make a deal happen.
Gafford is in the final year of his three-year, $40.2 million contract before his three-year, $54.4 million contract extension kicks in. Because of this, the Pacers are limited in who they can trade to make the contracts line up.
Aaron Nesmith (who is making $11 million this season) can't be traded until April. And even so, Indiana most likely wouldn't move on from him for Gafford, especially since they just extended him in the offseason. Obi Toppin ($14 million) is an interesting candidate, but the Mavericks still have a lot of frontcourt talent (obviously led by Anthony Davis), and this trade would probably just be a wash for both teams anyway.
T.J. McConnell could be an interesting fit due to the Mavericks' need at point guard depth, but he also signed a four-year deal over the summer. And he is incredibly important to Indiana's success.
All of this leads to Nembhard and Mathurin being the only realistic trade candidates for the Pacers this season, and there is no center on the market worth losing one or both of them for this season.
Despite its rocky season so far, Indiana still has a good thing going. The team is fresh off an NBA Finals appearance and should be able to re-enter the title picture once Tyrese Haliburton returns. Adding a new center may be the right call, especially if Jay Huff regresses or proves he's not a full-time starter, but not at the expense of some of the most important players on the roster.
It may be tempting, but the Pacers may be better off just standing pat ahead of this season's trade deadline.