2. Sign a veteran free agent to round out their roster
Pascal Siakam turns 30 in April and is the third-oldest player on the Pacers' current roster. Buddy Hield and T.J. McConnell are both 31. Myles Turner is the only other player over 25 years old. They are a young team with limited playoff experience. Siakam won a championship with the Raptors in 2019, but it was before he became a star. The Pacers desperately need some veteran experience on their bench for when things ratchet up in the postseason.
Acquiring Siakam opened two roster spots in Indiana. The Pacers had to waive James Johnson to make the transaction, and he could be brought back to round out their roster. Still, Indiana would like to add a veteran role player, who makes a bit more on-court impact.
The Pacers are still $24 million under the luxury tax, which makes them eligible to sign any player who gets bought out. Players making more than the mid-level exception cannot agree to deals with teams over either apron. Indiana with Siakam could represent the best shot for a veteran who gets bought out making over $12.4 million to compete for a championship.
The Indiana Pacers may find a veteran in free agency or via the buyout market, but they have a massive hole on their roster to fill before the Feb. 8 trade deadline.