1 Dream, 1 reach, and 1 realistic free agent for the Pacers to target

It's a critical offseason for the Indiana Pacers. They showed this season that they are closer to being an NBA champion than anyone else thought. After an Eastern Conference Finals appearance, they are looking for someone who could be the missing piece to get to the NBA Finals.

The foundation in Indiana is strong. With Tyrese Haliburton running the point and being the leader of the team and Pascal Siakam likely re-signing, they have two stars. The role players they have are strong too with Aaron Nesmith, Myles Turner, and T.J. McConnell.

Still, they are just a couple of pieces away. They might just be one more star away too. The Pacers just need a little more help to get them over the hump. Some spending in free agency might get them there, although Herb Simon has been adverse to paying into the tax over the years.

There are three players who could be that extra piece that the Pacers are looking for. One of them is a dream signing, one is a bit of a reach, and the other is a realistic player who would definitely be affordable. The first one is the dream free agent signing and is a former Indiana player.

1. Paul George

Looking at the style of play that the Pacers like to use on offense, no free agent would fit that better than Paul George. He's a three-level scorer who can create his own shot at any time. His three-point shooting is what would make him really dangerous in this offense.

George shot 41% from three this season on eight attempts a game. He can really put the ball in the hoop. Haliburton would generate at least five wide-open threes a game for him too. George is also already familiar with Indiana. We're also just talking about his offense, which isn't even the most attractive part of bringing him back.

George is still an elite defender on the wing. He's made four All-Defense teams in his career. While he isn't quite as good of a defender as he was back then, he's still really good. He'd be the perfect wing defender that the Pacers need to take that leap to the NBA Finals.

There are issues in bringing him back though. First, he's probably too expensive. It seems like the Clippers are going to let him walk but he's looking for a max contract. After Indiana gives Pascal Siakam a max deal, they won't be able to afford another one with George.

Secondly, George seems to have put the chapter of playing with the Pacers behind him. While he thinks he should get his jersey retired, he also acknowledged he'd get booed. I don't think he has any interest in a reunion in Indiana, even if it would give him his best chance of winning a title since 2014 when he was with the Pacers.

The second player on this list is the player who might be a reach to sign, although he has ties to the state of Indiana.