If other players sign big deals, this player could be someone the Pacers sign
By Ryan Stano
![Nov 14, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris (12) dribbles the ball against Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports Nov 14, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris (12) dribbles the ball against Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_3729,h_2097,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/105/01j0y8p0wd9nxypa2dj8.jpg)
Bringing Pascal Siakam back was the biggest priority for the Indiana Pacers. After trading three first-round picks for him, allowing him to walk in free agency would have been a disaster. Now that they have him locked up, their cap sheet has taken a pretty big hit.
They still are a piece or two away from being able to make the NBA Finals. If they don't bring back Obi Toppin, they will have about $66 million in cap space before going over the first apron. I don't think they will come close to the first apron because of how frugal ownership is.
There are a lot of guys who are looking to cash in this offseason who would be perfect fits in Indiana. They likely won't be able to pay most of them. If the dominos end up falling that way and all of the best wings are gone, there is one guy the Pacers could turn their attention to.
Tobias Harris could be an option for the Indiana Pacers
Tobias Harris was much-maligned in Philly for the last couple of seasons. The main reason was because of the contract he was signed to. He averaged 17 points per game last season but was making almost $40 million. That's way too much money for someone who isn't an All-Star.
Harris is not a bad player. He could be the third-best player on a championship team. He just can't be making $180 million over five years like he was in Philly. There's no chance he gets that big of a contract in this free agency period. Could Indiana take a look at him?
Harris isn't a bad defender, but he might be slightly worse than Aaron Nesmith. He's better offensively though, which could make it a decent move. If the Pacers signed him to a three-year $70 million deal, would that be so bad? I think that would raise this team's ceiling.
manual
There are definitely other players that the Pacers will look at ahead of him. He won't be a top priority for them. But if other players come off the board, he's not a terrible option.