Pacers Confident Recent Success is Sustainable, Not Expected to Make Blockbuster Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jonah Kubicek | Last updated Jan 23, 2025 12:50 PM ET

Heading into the peak of NBA trade season between Thanksgiving and the Feb. 6 trade deadline, the Indiana Pacers were struggling and were expected to make a large roster move. However, since Jan. 1, Indiana is 8-1 and is surging up the standings, looking the part of a postseason team.

Still, the team has been linked to some trade candidates. Cameron Johnson seems to be the most realistic as the Brooklyn Nets aggressively shop their best players, but even Zach LaVine and Jimmy Butler have been mentioned as possible targets.

However, a recent report from one league insider suggests that the Pacers are willing to keep the good times rolling without a roster shakeup.

Johnson, who is averaging a career-high 19.4 points on 41.9 percent shooting from deep this season, would fit in well with Indiana, but there are concerns about his long-term viability.

Between Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin, Jarace Walker, and Ben Sheppard, the Pacers have enough young talent so they won't have to rush into a move, and it sounds like the front office is aware that they can bide their time.

"It remains to be seen whether one of the league's hottest teams is prepared to mount a determined in-season pursuit for Johnson that would presumably require Indiana to put significant trade capital on the table if the Nets maintain their current asking price."

-Jake Fischer via Substack

The Nets are asking for two first-round picks for Johnson. He likely won't move the needle and allow the Pacers to compete with the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers this season, so the Pacers should be patient.

At 2:00 PM EST, the Pacers will take on the floundering San Antonio Spurs in Paris as they look to keep the good times rolling.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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