The Indiana Pacers are very close to being a true NBA title contender. They need just one or two pieces to get over the hump. Right now, the glaring need is a defensive wing who has some length and can switch on multiple different positions. Aaron Nesmith is good, but he's not great.
Indiana is preparing to re-sign Pascal Siakam, so that takes care of the power forward spot in the starting lineup. There aren't a ton of great wings out there available in free agency. There is one who has ties to Siakam and has ties to the state of Indiana as well.
That player is OG Anunoby. Anunoby is one of the best defensive wings in the lead. If he was ever healthy enough to play a full season, he could challenge for a First-team All-Defense spot. That injury history might help the Pacers in their pursuit which has become more realistic.
Do the Pacers have a shot to sign OG Anunoby?
Talking on Get Up today, Brian Windhorst indicated that Anunoby is not thrilled with the Knicks' offer. He could test free agency to see what else is out there. That means that other teams will get a crack at him. Could the Pacers find a way to sign him then?
It still seems doubtful to me. If he isn't happy with what the Knicks can offer him, he probably wouldn't be enthused about what Indiana can offer him either. With Siakam likely to make a max deal, a lot of the cap space dries up. There doesn't seem to be enough left over to offer Anunoby what he wants.
Of course, there's always a chance that he takes a discount to play with his old teammate Siakam in a state where he played his college ball. That's still in the realm of possibility. I would still say that seems unlikely at this point. Unless the Simons start to spend money like they haven't had in decades, the Pacers are not likely to sign him.