Three Trade Targets for the Pacers After Haliburton’s Achilles Tear and NBA Finals Heartbreak
Indiana finds itself at a pivotal crossroads. After coming within a bucket of securing their first NBA title, the Pacers suffered a devastating blow—Tyrese Haliburton ruptured his right Achilles in Game 7 versus Oklahoma City. The MRI confirmed the tear, and he’ll be sidelined for 8–10 months (reuters.com). With Haliburton unavailable, the team’s front office must act swiftly to maintain momentum and stay competitive in the East.
Here are the top three trade targets who could bridge the gap while Haliburton recovers and fortify Indiana’s contention window:
1. Cameron Johnson – 3‑and‑D Wing
Identified by Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz as a high-priority flip, Johnson adds elite shooting and spacing (reddit.com, athlonsports.com). He delivered a career-high 18.8 PPG with nearly 40% from deep—an ideal fit next to Haliburton’s playmaking and Mathurin’s slashing. A deal centered on wing depth for bench pieces like Nesmith and Walker could be feasible.
Why he matters:
- Elevates floor spacing
- Defends multiple positions
- Easy to acquire without sacrificing core dynamics
2. PJ Washington – Athletic Power Forward
ClutchPoints spotlights Washington as a dynamic playoff-tested presence (athlonsports.com, clutchpoints.comHe showcased elite defensive versatility guarding perimeter threats and knocked down corner threes during Dallas’s run. His final-year $14.1M contract aligns salary-wise for feasible trade talks.
Why he matters:
- Versatile on-ball defender across 4–5
- Reliable 3-point shooting
- Straightforward financial fit
3. Kelly Olynyk – Veteran Stretch Big
ClutchPoints also recommends Olynyk as a pragmatic backup center (clutchpoints.com). Averaging 12.7 PPG, 5.6 RPG, and 4.6 APG in Toronto, he spaces the floor effectively (36.9% from 3). While he faces a back injury, the wait could be worth it for the fit.
Why he matters:
- Veteran with floor-spacing skills
- Smart passing makes him valuable as a role player
- Could be included in a low-asset trade to Toronto
Honorable Mentions
A few other names have surfaced in speculation, though higher cost or fit concerns limit their immediacy:
- Pascal Siakam / OG Anunoby: Both past-mentioned by Wojnarowski as stars the Pacers have pursued. While game-changing, they’d likely demand multiple core assets (clutchpoints.com,
- Marcus Smart: A defensive-minded guard from Memphis, offering perimeter toughness, though recent form is spotty .
Strategic Outlook
The next 4–6 months are critical. Haliburton’s expected return timeline likely overlaps the 2025‑26 season. Rather than punt that year, the front office should pursue impactful vet additions who can sustain playoffs pressure:
- Johnson amends the wing scoring deficit.
- Washington elevates athleticism and defensive flexibility.
- Olynyk offers a crafty, floor-spacing presence inside.
By blending these targets, Indianapolis can:
- Stay competitive in 2025–26,
- Buy Haliburton time to heal,
- and seamlessly return to a contender once he’s fully healthy.
In Conclusion
Haliburton’s injury shocked fans and dismantled dreams of a title parade, but Indiana must act decisively. Strengthening with low-risk, high-reward veterans like Cameron Johnson, PJ Washington, and Kelly Olynyk could preserve their top‑tier status in the East. As Haliburton embarks on recovery, these players provide stability and buy time, ensuring the Pacers haven’t burned a golden rebuild opportunity.
