The Indiana Pacers have had a rough start to the 2024-2025 NBA season, leaving them struggling to stay competitive in the Eastern Conference. After a promising run to the Eastern Conference Finals last year, expectations were high for the Pacers to make the next leap in their journey toward championship contention. However, reality has been much harsher, with injuries and inconsistency hampering their efforts.
The Pacers’ frontcourt has taken a significant hit, with two key big men already suffering season-ending injuries. This has left Indiana particularly thin in the paint, a major weakness that has contributed to their sluggish start. To make matters worse, the team has been plagued by inconsistency on a game-to-game basis, struggling to find the right rhythm.
With their playoff aspirations at risk, the Pacers’ front office is expected to be active in the trade market come the deadline. The team’s immediate priority is to address the glaring hole in their frontcourt. While the Pacers are known for their young and promising roster, they understand that they may need to part with valuable assets to secure a star-caliber player who can help them turn the season around.
In a potential blockbuster trade proposal, the Pacers could land star center Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz, along with veteran guard Patty Mills. This move would give the Pacers the centerpiece they need to bolster their frontcourt, addressing one of their biggest weaknesses.
The proposed deal would look like this:
- Pacers Receive: Center Walker Kessler and guard Patty Mills
- Jazz Receive: Forward Jarace Walker, a 2025 first-round pick, and a 2029 first-round pick
While this trade might seem like a steep price for Kessler, Utah has maintained a high asking price for their young star. Kessler has emerged as one of the league’s premier defensive centers, and the Jazz view him as a key building block for their future. The Pacers, however, are desperate for frontcourt help and Kessler could be a game-changer for them.
Additionally, with Myles Turner set to hit free agency this summer, the Pacers may be forced to make tough decisions regarding his future. If Turner decides to leave, Indiana would be even more depleted in the frontcourt, making a deal for Kessler a safety net. His contract is team-friendly, which makes him an even more attractive option for the Pacers as they look to stabilize their roster and make a push for the playoffs.
While the trade market is notoriously unpredictable, the Pacers are in a position where they need to make bold moves to salvage their season. This potential trade for Kessler could provide the spark they need to reassert themselves in the Eastern Conference standings.