Pacers potential targets in free agency in the Atlantic division

2. Dennis Smith, Jr.

The former ninth overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft has yet to find his footing in the league. After spending his first two seasons with the team that selected him, the Dallas Mavericks, he was traded to the New York Knicks in the Kristaps Porzingis trade.

Venturing around to multiple teams the past four seasons, Dennis Smith Jr. is still an athletic and youthful guard who can provide a punch for the Pacers' second unit. He averaged about 6.5 points, 3.5 assists and 3.0 rebounds a game while in the league.

Smith Jr. would garner a spot on Indiana's bench. He has not been accustomed to starting since his early years when he broke into the league.

The former North Carolina State Wolfpack player has shot the ball fairly efficiently. The past four seasons, all for different teams, Smith Jr. had a field goal average above 40%.

With seven years of experience in the league, a one-year 'prove it' type-deal, could benefit both sides. Much like an offer to Batum, there is no reason to type up this player long-term. A chance to prove himself on one of the NBA's best offenses (and teams) could rejuvenate his career.

3. Poaching either pair of Celtics: Luke Kornet or Xavier Tillman

With six years of experience now under his belt, Kornet turns 29 next month. While he is not an All-Star caliber player, he wouldn't have to for the Pacers.

The 7'1'' Vanderbilt graduate could be a nice compliment to the second unit for the Pacers. He came off the bench for the 2024 NBA Champions. Providing a little more than five points and four rebounds and an assist a game, Kormet also boasted a shooting average of 70%.

The veteran big man had his best season from the free throw line at almost 91%. Having played in the last four postseasons, Kornet has shot at least 66% each year in the playoffs. Used sparingly, he may have a bigger role playing behind Myles Turner should Jalen Smith leave the Indiana Pacers.

Another player from the Boston Celtics that is set to be a free agent, Xavier Tillman is a different type of athlete. With similar stats as Kornet, Tillman is a few years younger.

An early second round selection in the 2020 NBA Draft, Tillman was drafted by the Sacramento Kings but debuted in the league for the Memphis Grizzlies. Three and a half seasons later, he found himself on the championship team.

Tillman averaged a block and a steal every other game. In his last season for the Grizzlies, he averaged eight points and more than eight rebounds a game during the playoffs. While he is not a reliable deep shooter, the four-year veteran makes at about one out of every five attempts from behind the arc.

He is a physical post player known for cleaning up the glass and pulling in the opposing team's misses. The Indiana Pacers would benefit from a strong rebounder coming off the bench.

Kornet cost the Celtics a little more than $2.25 million this year and Tillman was almost a million less than that. Either player should be looking for a three-year deal at about $10 million apiece. However, a two-year deal makes Kornet or Tillman a viable asset come the trade deadline if allotted.