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DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 05: Daniel Gafford #21 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts to a turnover during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at American Airlines Center on November 05, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The Indiana Pacers are one of the worst teams in the NBA. Just a year after making the NBA Finals, this season has been a disaster. Right now, the Pacers have the worst offense in the league. The Tyrese Haliburton injury has hurt them more than NBA pundits thought it would.
At this point, Indiana is looking forward to next season. When they are fully healthy, they will have mostly the same roster that made the Finals, except they will likely add a top-five pick from this year’s draft. The one spot they need to fill in is the center spot.
A crazy four-team trade proposal from Bleacher Report has the Pacers landing Daniel Gafford while trading away one of their young forwards.
GettyIndiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin dribbles the ball. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
The Indiana Pacers Land Daniel Gafford in Wild Trade Idea
Here is the trade proposal:
Bulls get:
Pacers get:
Daniel Gafford (from Mavericks)
Jevon Carter (from Bulls)
$9.2 million trade exception (Bennedict Mathurin)
Pelicans get:
Jarace Walker (from Pacers)
Dante Exum (from Mavericks)
$8 million trade exception (Kevon Looney)
$3.4 million trade exception (Yves Missi)
2026 protected first-rounder (from Bulls)
Mavericks get:
Dalen Terry (from Chicago)
$9 million trade exception (Daniel Gafford)
$2.3 million trade exception (Dante Exum)
2026 protected first-rounder (from Portland Trail Blazers, via Bulls)
Indiana would trade both Mathurin and Walker in return for Gafford. Getting Carter doesn’t mean much for them, as he would be a fourth or fifth guard. Mathurin was not given a contract extension in the offseason, and this offseason would be the time for the Pacers to give one to Walker.
Mathurin has had an up-and-down season in the absence of Haliburton. While his scoring is up, his efficiency is way down. He has also struggled to stay healthy, as he has played in just 24 games this season. Mathurin is the Pacers’ best trade asset heading into the trade deadline.
GettyIndiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin shoots the ball. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Pacers Are Looking to Add a Center
Despite how poorly the Pacers have played this season, they are looking to add a center at the trade deadline. That will be the only move they look to make. Indiana has struggled to find a starting center, as it has started five different centers this season. Indy has even started a few games without a traditional center.
Getting a starting-caliber center is the biggest hole on the roster heading into next year when they expect to be a title contender again. Mathurin is more likely to be traded than Walker, who has really stepped up his play in the last few weeks.
Kevin Pritchard is not afraid to make trades, as he traded for both Haliburton and Pascal Siakam. While the team has the fourth-worst net rating in the NBA, he feels that the team will return to being a true championship contender when everyone is healthy next year.