The Indiana Pacers have been one of the best stories in the league this year. More specifically, their offense has been one of the best stories in the league.
Defensively, the Pacers have left a lot to be desired.
With Tyrese Haliburton leading the way on the offensive end, Indiana’s defense hasn’t kept pace, and they are one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA.
Despite having guys like Myles Turner, Bruce Brown, and Aaron Nesmith, the Pacers just haven’t been able to put it all together on the defensive side of the ball.
On December 15, most of the players who signed with new teams this summer will be eligible to be traded. It marks the unofficial start of trade season in the NBA.
With that date rapidly approaching, let’s take a look at three trade targets the Pacers should go after to help solve their biggest problem this year: Defense.
1. OG Anunoby
The Pacers have reportedly been interested in a trade for OG Anunoby for a long, long time. Their potential interest dates back to the 2023 NBA Draft, when they were supposedly considering dealing the eighth overall pick, which turned into Jarace Walker.
Anunoby may be the most ideal trade target the Pacers could acquire this year. Not only is he a great three-point shooter, but he’s also one of the best wing defenders in the NBA, having made the All-NBA Second Team last season.
The Toronto Raptors are having another mediocre season this year, and with Pascal Siakam set to hit free agency next summer, they could potentially blow up the roster. If Anunoby becomes available, a ton of teams will show interest.
Indiana needs to be one of those teams. If they could add Anunoby to their already solid starting lineup, it would greatly increase their chances of making a playoff run.
2. Alex Caruso
The Chicago Bulls have been one of the most disappointing teams in the league this year, meaning they could be primed to blow up their roster sooner rather than later.
Alex Caruso has been one of the few bright spots for Chicago this year, but that also means he’s one of their best trade chips. And the Indiana Pacers should come calling.
The fit isn’t perfect, as the Pacers already have a ton of talented guards on the roster, but Caruso’s defensive excellence allows him to play multiple positions.
Caruso could step in as a member of Indiana’s starting lineup or come off the bench, and no matter what, he would fit in seamlessly, drastically improving the Pacers’ defense along the way.
A lineup of Tyrese Haliburton, Caruso, Bruce Brown, Aaron Nesmith, and Myles Turner would be a bit small, but it could wreak havoc on the defensive side of the ball.
In addition, Caruso is having the most productive offensive season of his career. He’s averaging 9.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game while shooting 56.7% from the field and 48.0% from beyond the three-point arc.
His improved shooting from deep solidify him as a solid offensive fit next to Haliburton, too, meaning his defensive impact wouldn’t be limited by a lackluster offensive game.
The small-ball lineup including Caruso could quickly turn into one of the best lineups in the league, so if he becomes available, the Pacers should seriously consider inquiring about Caruso.
3. Matisse Thybulle
If there’s one thing Matisse Thybulle knows how to do, it’s play defense. He’s been one of the best all-around defenders ever since he stepped foot in the league.
The Portland Trail Blazers re-signed him using his Bird rights this summer, so he can’t be moved until January 15, but the Indiana Pacers should be keeping a close eye on him.
At just 6-foot-5, Thybulle would be a bit of an undersized small forward option for Indiana, but with his defensive skillset and the guards they already have on the roster, they could have him play that position.
Thybulle’s stalwart play on the perimeter, combined with his impressive ability to block shots from behind, make him an ideal trade target for the Pacers.
He would be their first choice to guard some of the league’s best guards and wings, including division rivals such as Donovan Mitchell, Damian Lillard, and Zach LaVine.
And to make the idea even more appealing, Thybulle is shooting 40% from three-point range this season. He’s always struggled with his shot, but when he’s making his threes at a high clip, he’s one of the best two-way wings in the league.
If the Trail Blazers are open to hearing offers on all their guys by the deadline, Indiana should think long and hard about making a move for Thybulle.