Struggling Pacers Explore Center Market Before Trade Deadline

The Pacers are navigating through fog in a complicated season lacking internal stability, as the Indiana franchise has intensified its efforts in the trade market. With the trade deadline approaching, the front office is exploring several options at center, driven more by necessity than opportunity.

A Frontcourt Without Direction

Since Myles Turner‘s departure, Indiana has suffered from a glaring lack of paint presence. Insufficient rim protection, weak rebounding, difficulties containing dominant big men: the limitations have been identified for several weeks. In this context, the Pacers are primarily seeking to restore coherence to their frontcourt rotation, without committing to a major short-term rebuild.

Onyeka Okongwu, Target in Atlanta

Among the first names mentioned is Onyeka Okongwu. Indiana has reportedly contacted the Atlanta Hawks to evaluate the feasibility of a trade for the big man.

Often in the shadows in Atlanta, Okongwu presents an energetic profile, capable of defending the rim and holding up physically inside. A type of player that addresses the Pacers’ current needs, though no concrete agreement appears close at this stage.

The Pacers are showing interest in Onyeka Okongwu, Yves Missi, Ivica Zubac, and Daniel Gafford, per @JakeLFischer

« I was told this week, for example, that Indiana has called Atlanta on Onyeka Okongwu in addition to its previously reported interest in players such as Dallas’… pic.twitter.com/lYNv8BaWsc

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 15, 2026

Daniel Gafford, A Complicated Option

Another avenue being studied: Daniel Gafford, currently with the Dallas Mavericks. His profile as a vertical center, efficient near the rim, checks several boxes for Indiana.

However, his recent injury seriously complicates the case. In an already shaky season, the Pacers don’t seem inclined to take additional risk on a player whose immediate availability isn’t guaranteed.

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Walker Kessler, A Difficult Target to Access

Indiana has also inquired about Walker Kessler‘s situation with the Jazz. Highly valued for his defensive potential and rim presence, the young center represents a much heavier investment however.

Utah doesn’t appear willing to sell off one of its major assets, which makes this avenue complex for Pacers who are proceeding cautiously in a delicate sporting context.

Adjustments Rather Than Major Moves

Jarrett Allen and Nic Claxton are also among the options mentioned in trade rumors. At this stage, the Pacers don’t seem guaranteed to make a major trade. The objective is rather to explore and remain alert, in a logic of gradual adjustment while awaiting Tyrese Haliburton‘s return. More than a miracle reinforcement, the Pacers are primarily seeking to patch the gaps and provide minimum structure to a struggling team.

The coming weeks will tell whether this active monitoring leads to a concrete trade or if Indiana chooses to wait until the offseason.

The Indiana Pacers are monitoring Jarrett Allen, per @AmicoHoops pic.twitter.com/hsC8SpEljA

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 15, 2026