The Indiana Pacers were linked to OG Anunoby for a long time, dating all the way back to the 2023 NBA Draft, when it was reported that they were interested in trading the eighth overall pick for a defensive-minded forward.
Unfortunately for the Pacers, Anunoby was recently traded from the Toronto Raptors to the New York Knicks, ending their long-winded quest to add the All-Defensive forward to their roster.
Now, the Pacers will have to pivot and look to add someone else, but that could prove to be a blessing in disguise. Rather than adding a pure 3-and-D guy, they should be looking to bring in someone a bit more dynamic.
So, with Anunoby officially off the market, here are three better trade targets the Pacers should go after this season (or at some point in the near future).
1. Jonathan Kuminga
Of those listed among these three, Jonathan Kuminga seems the least likely to be traded, but with how much the Golden State Warriors have struggled this year, he’s definitely someone to monitor.
Kuminga still feels like a player who could benefit from a change of scenery, but he’s finally coming into his own a bit more this season with the Warriors.
So far this year, Kuminga is averaging 12.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists while shooting 50.2% from the floor and 28.4% from beyond the three-point arc.
At just 21 years old, Kuminga still has a ton of upside, and with a potentially-expanded role with the Pacers, he could finally have a chance to blossom into the player who was selected with the seventh pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
2. Royce O’Neale
It’s painfully clear that the Pacers could use some help on the defensive end of the court, and that’s definitely something Royce O’Neale could bring to the table for them.
The Brooklyn Nets forward does a bit of everything on both ends of the court, and his $9.5 million salary wouldn’t be too hard to match in a trade for Indiana.
So far this season, O’Neale is averaging 7.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists while shooting 37.9% from the field and 36.7% from behind the three-point line. His efficiency is a bit down, but next to Tyrese Haliburton, his shot quality would undoubtedly improve.
O’Neale is capable of taking on some playmaking duties, too, and it’s that versatility (on both ends of the floor) that could make him very valuable for the Pacers.
Brooklyn is in a very weird spot, as they have struggled mightily over their last 10 games, so by the time the trade deadline rolls around, they could be willing to talk about trades.
Add in the fact that O’Neale is in the final year of his deal, and he’s definitely a guy the Nets could be willing to deal. If the price is right, the Pacers should absolutely pull the trigger.
3. De’Andre Hunter
According to most reports floating around, the Atlanta Hawks will be open for business this season in terms of trades, and if that’s the case, they could have a few players who might interest the Indiana Pacers.
Dejounte Murray could be an intriguing fit, as could Bogdan Bogdanovic, but by far the most interesting player on the Hawks for Indiana is 6-foot-8 wing De’Andre Hunter.
At just 26 years old, Hunter is just now entering the prime of his career, and it seems as though he could benefit from a change of scenery at this point.
So far this season, Hunter is averaging 14.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists while shooting 46.0% from the floor and 40.0% from behind the three-point line.
With his length and abilities on the defensive end, he could be a great option for the Pacers to bring in and pair next to someone like Aaron Nesmith, Bruce Brown, or Bennedict Mathurin at the wing position.
Indiana should be on the lookout to add anybody who could help them on the defensive side of the ball, and Hunter definitely fits that bill. Add in his capabilities as a catch-and-shoot guy, and he’s someone the Pacers should keep an eye on heading into the deadline.