The Indiana Pacers have started their season 3-4, but statement wins over the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks, both of whom made the NBA Finals last season, suggest that Indiana is very much in the running despite a slow start.

However, the Pacers’ frontcourt depth has already been gutted. James Wiseman and Isaiah Jackson both tore their Achilles, and Myles Turner is the only true big man left on the roster. Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam proved last season they can headline a postseason run, and improvement from Bennedict Mathurin should help, but the Pacers need a scoring threat in the paint.

Lagging behind the Pacers are the Milwaukee Bucks, who at 1-6, are the worst team in the NBA. Brook Lopez, Khris Middleton, Bobby Portis, Damian Lillard and even Giannis Antetokounmpo are reported to be on the trade block. The Pacers have been linked to some traditional centers amid their injury woes, but they could make a massive, league-altering splash. 

If the Pacers offered Turner, Obi Toppin, Aaron Nesmith, Jarace Walker, two first-round picks and three swaps, they could land Delon Wright and Antetokounmpo.

That would give Indiana a starting five of Haliburton, Mathurin, Siakam, Antetokounmpo and Ben Sheppard with TJ McConnell leading the charge for a much-depleted second unit. 

While this deal would see Indiana give up its future, the Pacers would be able to challenge the Boston Celtics for an NBA Finals bid. Milwaukee, on the other hand, is unlikely to get a better package of young players, but would likely prefer more draft capital, which they could find in a deal with another team.

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