Report reveals Eastern Conference team looking to trade out of top 10

The 2023 NBA Draft is under a week away, and the Indiana Pacers are considering trading their top-10 pick to help make a playoff push next season. 

On the latest episode of the "Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective" podcast, ESPN's Brian Windhorst shared that Indiana is inquiring about trading its seventh pick for a "high-level wing." 

"Indiana has been talking with people about the seventh pick," Windhorst said. "I've been told they're trying to get wing players. They've been trying to move out of the seventh pick to get a high-level wing player now. Which frankly, they might be able to if they're motivated enough."

Last season, Indiana rotated Buddy Hield, Chris Duarte and Aaron Nesmith at small forward. 

Although Hield, who averaged 16.8 points while shooting 42.5% from three-point range, was the most effective of the three, he'd serve better as Indiana's shooting guard alongside a defensive-minded wing.

Aside from the seventh pick, Indiana holds the Nos. 26, 29, 32 and 55 overall selections, some of which could be included in a package for its desired forward.

It's worth noting that Windhorst's report comes after Overtime Elite's Ausar Thompson canceled his pre-draft workout with Indiana, signaling that he has been guaranteed a top-six selection. Thompson, a 6-foot-7 wing, would've been a great fit for Indiana, but since he's likely not an option, it makes sense to consider trading for someone capable of contributing immediately.

If the Pacers are willing to deal their top draft pick, perhaps they'll circle back to some of the wings they targeted at the trade deadline. Per Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer, Indiana "explored" scenarios to acquire Toronto's OG Anunoby and the idea of trading Duarte along with draft picks for Atlanta's De'Andre Hunter. 

In theory, Toronto seems like an ideal match for the Pacers as it can attach the 13th pick in a package with Anunoby for No. 7 and likely other selections. Making such a deal with the Pacers could help the Raptors achieve their reported goal of moving into the top three without parting with All-Star forward Pascal Siakam. 

Despite finishing as the 11th seed in the Eastern Conference, Indiana's future is bright, thanks to cornerstones such as All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin, Hield and Myles Turner. By adding a two-way player of 25-year-old Anunoby's caliber, the Pacers would be well-positioned to earn a play-in spot in 2024 and potentially a higher seed in the following seasons.   

Expect plenty more rumors to continue circulating ahead of the 2023 NBA Draft, slated for June 22.