The Indiana Pacers will enter the 2025-26 NBA season looking to build off their run to the NBA Finals last season, though they are set to be without their star point guard Tyrese Haliburton.
Of course, Haliburton suffered a torn Achilles in Game 7 of the NBA Finals last season that is expected to sideline him for the entire season.
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Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton and center Myles Turner© Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Indiana will also be without star center Myles Turner after he left in free agency and signed with the Milwaukee Bucks.
With Tuner’s exit, the Pacers are in need of center depth, which is an area they could look to upgrade this season ahead of the trade deadline.
Pacers Could Target Nikola Vucevic
For the Pacers, they should have many options if they do look to acquire a center ahead of the trade deadline to replace Turner but one player they could target is Nikola Vucevic.
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Nikola VucevicImagn Images
Vucevic is entering the final season of his contract with the Chicago Bulls and while the Bulls have been unable to move him over the past few seasons, that could change this season and the Pacers could be a potential destination for the veteran center.
Mock Trade Lands Pacers Nikola Vucevic From Bulls
In a potential trade, the Pacers could send Obi Toppin and Jarace Walker to the Bulls in exchange for Vucevic and draft capital.
Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (1)© Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Of course, it would be a tough decision for Indiana to move on from both Toppin and Walker, but adding Vucevic to their roster would give them a much-needed starting center who could become a key piece for them in the future if they sign him to a contract extension.
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For Vucevic, he is a great scorer and rebounder who would help the Pacers space the floor due to his 3-point shooting.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9).
Last season, the 34-year-old big man averaged 18.5 points, 10.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game while shooting 53.0% from the field and 40.2% from three.
By adding Vucevic, the Pacers will fill the void in their lineup left by Turner leaving in free agency, though they would have to sign the veteran center to a contract extension in order to not lose him in free agency next offseason.
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Because of this, Indiana may hold off on this deal and instead look elsewhere to upgrade their frontcourt as they try to strengthen their roster before Haliburton returns next season.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Oct 1, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.