This is a prediction.
The Indiana Pacers have fallen into a rough spiral. Their 5-18 start has dropped them to the bottom of the Central Division and created one of the worst openings the franchise has seen. Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles injury has knocked their entire structure out of rhythm.
You can see the damage on offense. They’re hitting just 32.9 percent from three. Opponents load up on Pascal Siakam. There’s no real catalyst to keep the tempo high. Last year’s Finals run already feels far away, made worse by Myles Turner’s departure and a defense that keeps springing leaks.
If they want to fight their way back into the mix, they need someone who can stabilize both ends of the floor until Haliburton returns.
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Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Pacers: Potential Trade IdeaÂ
Indiana Pacers Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Pascal Siakam, T.J. McConnell, 2026 first-round pick, 2028 first-round pick, 2030 first-round pick
What Giannis Would Bring to Indiana
Giannis Antetokounmpo still drives games like few players in the league. Before a calf strain took him out, he averaged 28.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists while finishing almost 63 percent of his shots. He ranked near the top in true shooting, offensive efficiency, and scoring around the rim.
He continues to bully defenses inside and read the floor at a high level. His defensive presence still stretches across every part of the floor. One player won’t solve all of Indiana’s issues, but Giannis reshapes any team the second he’s back on the court.
 If Indiana ever landed him, he’d drag the team out of the bottom tier and make them dangerous as soon as Haliburton is healthy.
What Milwaukee Gets in Return
Pascal Siakam
Siakam is delivering one of the strongest runs of his career. He’s scoring 24.5 points per game with efficient shooting, and he adds roughly seven rebounds and four assists each night.
He brings a heavyweight playoff résumé too, highlighted by last season’s Eastern Conference Finals MVP and a title in Toronto. He knows how to lead, but Indiana’s skid has pushed him into an outsized workload.
T.J. McConnell
McConnell continues to operate as one of the league’s most reliable backup point guards. He’s giving them 9.5 points and 4.4 assists while shooting above 53 percent. His instincts and ball-hawking defense regularly change stretches of a game.
He won’t space the floor, yet he keeps second units organized and adds the little things that coaches always value. On a roster like Milwaukee’s, he’d slide in as a trusted organizer.
The Picks
Milwaukee gains some future flexibility with the trio of first-round picks, though those selections won’t come close to replacing a franchise-level star.
How This Shapes the Pacers
Indiana can completely change course the moment Giannis walks in. He, Bennedict Mathurin, and Andrew Nembhard would keep the offense humming, even before Haliburton returns, and Giannis alone lifts their defense.
They’d miss Siakam, no doubt, but Giannis would push this group to a level the current roster can’t touch.
What It Means for the Bucks
Milwaukee would pick up an accomplished forward, a steady backup guard, and a few future pieces.
If the Bucks take this offer, they’re basically admitting it’s time to retool, especially with their season on the ropes at 10-13 without Giannis. They add short-term support, but the long-term loss could hit hard if they don’t make the most of the picks.