In the 2023-24 season, the Indiana Pacers had their best performance in a decade. Though they entered the NBA Playoffs as the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference, they advanced to the conference finals for the first time since 2014.
Even though they were swept by the Boston Celtics, who went on to win the championship, Pacers fans have reason to be pleased with the team’s progress. The team’s front office also seems content, as they had a relatively quiet offseason and are opting to largely keep the current roster intact for the upcoming season.
With the Eastern Conference landscape changing significantly, the Pacers might make adjustments during the 2024-25 season to maintain their competitive edge. Here are two players who could potentially be traded by the end of the season:
1. **Myles Turner**: It seems unlikely the Pacers would part ways with Myles Turner, who has been with the team for his entire nine-year NBA career and was crucial in their recent playoff run. However, Turner will become an unrestricted free agent next summer. Due to the terms of his two-year contract extension signed last year, a new extension cannot be negotiated until he reaches free agency.
Given his importance to the team and his desire to stay with the Pacers while they are competitive, it makes sense for a new deal to be considered next summer. Yet, if the Pacers suspect that Turner might not want to return or if the team is not performing well, they might consider trading him during the season to avoid losing him for nothing.
2. T.J. McConnell
Veteran guard T.J. McConnell, much like Myles Turner, is a well-loved figure among Indiana Pacers fans. Since joining the team in 2019, the Pennsylvania native has earned a reputation for being a tenacious and energetic player who can make an impact off the bench. However, McConnell is set to become an unrestricted free agent next season.
The Pacers reportedly view McConnell as a key player and are keen to retain him. Shams Charania of The Athletic mentioned in June that the team was working on a contract extension with him.
Despite this, there have been no updates in over a month, and McConnell remains on track to enter next season with an expiring contract.
Moreover, with the recent extension given to breakout guard Andrew Nembhard, McConnell’s future with the Pacers could be in jeopardy. Even though McConnell had a strong performance during last season’s playoffs, like Nembhard, he might not see a significant increase in role and could seek a better opportunity as a free agent next summer.
If the Pacers and McConnell can agree on a new deal before the end of the season, it would be beneficial for both sides. However, if an agreement isn’t reached, McConnell might find himself with a new team in 2025.
