Even after losing Tyrese Haliburton to a torn Achilles, the Indiana Pacers could have competed, at least for a playoff spot, in the weak Eastern Conference.
Instead, they let Myles Turner walk in free agency and seem content and poised to take a massive step back from their Finals appearance.
Expect the 2025-26 season to be full of Indiana taking stock of who is a good long-term fit, although they could make a series of moves to bolster their roster.
Blake Flynn of The Wrightway Sports Network proposed a trade with another middling Eastern Conference team to land them an elite scorer.
Full Mock Trade Details
Pacers receive: Coby White
Bulls receive: Aaron Nesmith, Ben Sheppard, 2027 first-round pick
This trade certainly addresses scoring. Last season, White averaged 20.4 points and shot 37 percent from deep. A core lineup of Andrew Nembhard, White, Pascal Siakam, Bennedict Mathurin, and Tony Bradley is an improvement, although they still need to upgrade at center.
However, there is one massive flaw in this deal. White will be a free agent after this season is over, and the Pacers have already made it clear that they are not willing to shell out money to keep solid players in town, which is a shame.
Of course, the Pacers could always trade Nembhard once Haliburton returns to make room on payroll for White, although the defense Nembhard brings can't be overlooked. All in all, this trade presents a short-term solution but ignores a sad truth: the Pacers are not interested in competing, especially if they have to pay for it.
Check out the All Pacers homepage for more news, analysis, and must-read articles.