The Indiana Pacers have been one of the most consistent organizations in the NBA over the last 40 years. They have rarely stunk for more than a season. In fact, the team has never had the number one overall pick. That's the mark of a franchise that has been very good.
Indiana has also made the playoffs a ton over that time period. Most of the time, the team has had to improve the team through the Draft and through trades. Free agency has hardly been a strategy that the front office has utilized in order to get stars into town.
Players like Tyrese Haliburton, Reggie Miller, and Paul George were either drafted or acquired via trade. None of them came in through free agency. Despite being one of the most successful franchises in the NBA, why aren't they more of a free agency destination?
Why the Pacers aren't more of a free-agency destination for big-time free agents
Part of the reason why stars don't think about coming to Indiana is because of geography. The Pacers are right in the middle of the Midwest and Indianapolis isn't the biggest city. Winter still brings snow, although that hasn't been as much of a part of winter in recent years. Still, the fanbase is very enthusiastic.
How much Herb Simon spends might be the biggest reason why they haven't been a free-agent destination. He is typically very careful with his money and does not overpay players. Stars are looking for as much money as they can possibly get.
The Pacers are starting to change this perception though. Now that they have Haliburton, more players could want to play with him. He's a pass-first point guard who loves to set up his teammates. Stars love players who can get them the ball in spots to score.
Pascal Siakam decided to re-sign this season. He's a big free-agent get after the Pacers traded for him in the middle of the year. He's one of the biggest names to ever sign with the team in free agency, albeit he was with the team for half of the year before deciding that.
Things are starting to change. This is a good team with a young core. More stars will find their way to Indy.