1 Dream, 1 reach, and 1 realistic free agent for the Pacers to target
By Ryan Stano
![Apr 30, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle talks with forward Aaron Nesmith (23) during the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks during game five of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports Apr 30, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle talks with forward Aaron Nesmith (23) during the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks during game five of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_7667,h_4312,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/105/01j02fjskzs6k43ngy0x.jpg)
3. Demar DeRozan
Demar DeRozan is just a solid basketball player. He has since he came into the league. He's a master of the midrange, a bit like Siakam. He also played with him in Toronto, although not for quite as long as Anunoby. DeRozan becomes a free agent after playing for the Bulls for the last three seasons.
DeRozan is someone who can help on the defensive end of the floor while also providing some additional ball-handling. He's someone who doesn't need plays drawn up for him either and he can really score. He still averaged 24 points per game last season.
DeRozan is the most realistic player that the Pacers can sign this offseason at the wing position. He won't be massively expensive with him being toward the end of his career and would be a veteran leader for a team that needs veteran leaders. DeRozan has also never won a title, so he's more likely to pick a team he think can win him one.
The Pacers are closer than any team he's played on since the 2016-17 team that he played on in Toronto. He also wouldn't have to be the number-one option. In fact, he'd be the third option, which is probably the best place for him to slot at this point in his career.
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It will be interesting to see if the Pacers decide to offer DeRozan a contract. He'd be a really good piece to add to a team that struggled closing games in the Eastern Conference Finals because of their inexperience.