After a successful run last season, the Indiana Pacers are experiencing the exact opposite this year. A couple of major factors have heavily impacted the team.

First, Tyrese Haliburton suffered a torn right Achilles tendon in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. Losing their star point guard this season is a huge blow to the Pacers.

Unfortunately for Indiana, they lost more than one star entering this season. Over the summer, Myles Turner shockingly joined the Milwaukee Bucks, leaving the Pacers hanging after a spectacular playoff run.

With that in mind, an NBA insider revealed that the Pacers are now searching for a new center in preparation for Haliburton’s return.

Pacers on the Hunt for a New Big Man

NBA insider Shams Charania recently reported that the Pacers are actively talking to teams and scouting for their next big man. Since Turner’s departure, Indiana has had an underwhelming lineup in terms of size.

Pascal Siakam remains the team’s most reliable option, though he is not a natural center. Jay Huff currently leads the league in blocks, but the Pacers are seeking a star at the position to strengthen their roster as they aim to return to contention.

“The Pacers are in active trade talks around the league to find a center of the future after losing Myles Turner in free agency,” Charania reported.

NBA insider Jake Fischer also reported that the Pacers are targeting Dallas Mavericks big man Daniel Gafford as their next center.

“Turner’s old team in Indiana is expected to shop the in-season trade market for big men and is likewise believed to hold interest in Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford as a potential pick-and-roll lob threat before Tyrese Haliburton’s return from an Achilles tear next season,” Fischer reported on The Stein Line.

Gafford is in the final year of his three‑year contract with the Mavericks. He has a veteran extension valued at $54.4 million over three seasons that begins next season.

With the Pacers’ eyes set on Gafford, the trade is likely to happen if they pursue it. The Mavericks are in somewhat of a rebuild mode after announcing intentions to trade Anthony Davis and Klay Thompson.

It seems Dallas is scrapping its championship aspirations with Davis, Thompson, and Kyrie Irving running the show. With that in mind, it wouldn’t be surprising if they also decide to let go of other key pieces like Gafford as part of the rebuild.