The Indiana Pacers suffered a rough loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Coming so close to a championship was painful enough, but losing star point guard Tyrese Haliburton to a torn Achilles int hat Game 7 was even more difficult to accept.
With Haliburton now likely out for the 2025-26 season, the Pacers have a lot of work to do.
It's possible that Indiana could still remain competitive. However, in order to pursue that goal, the Pacers could use help at the point guard position.
Looking ahead to NBA free agency, there are a few potential targets who could help Indiana. Kevin Pritchard, the team's president of basketball operations, could also look to get creative in a potential trade for a point guard.
Should they choose to pursue one in free agency, a very familiar name could make a lot of sense.
Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz has suggested Malcolm Brogdon as a potential target for the Pacers. He was the team's starting point guard from the 2019-20 season through the 2021-22 season.
"Both Brogdon and the Pacers should be interested in a reunion now, as the veteran guard averaged 18.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 6.3 assists for the franchise from 2019 to 2022, leaving for the Boston Celtics in the deal that brought Aaron Nesmith to Indiana," Swartz wrote.
During the 2024-25 NBA season, Brogdon played in 24 games with the Washington Wizards and made 13 starts. He averaged 12.7 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game, while shooting 43.3 percent from the floor and just 28.6 percent from three-point range.
Back in the 2023-24 season with the Portland Trail Blazers, he averaged 15.7 points, 5.5 assists, and 3.8 rebounds, shooting 44 percent overall and knocking down 41.2 percent of his three-point shots.
On the outside looking in, the fit between Brogdon and Indiana could make sense. He does not play the same style as Haliburton or the Pacers. Brogdon has always played best at a slower pace, which may not fit with what Indiana is looking for this offseason.
That being said, the Pacers need help at point guard. Brogdon is one of the best available in the price range that Indiana is likely looking to spend.
Expect to hear plenty of rumors surrounding Indiana this offseason. Brogdon might be brought up again at some point in the coming days.
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