The Indiana Pacers were a major surprise during the 2023-24 NBA season, finishing with the best offense in the league and advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals. However, they were unable to compete against the Boston Celtics and were swept in the playoffs.
Despite this setback, the Pacers have chosen to retain their young core, which helped them secure 47 wins last season. However, they are now looking to make a significant roster addition to enhance their competitiveness.
Reports suggest that the Pacers are eyeing six-time All-NBA swingman Kawhi Leonard as a potential target. According to Sports Illustrated’s Jakoba Reynolds, the Pacers have reached out to the Los Angeles Clippers about a trade for Leonard. Unfortunately, discussions may be complicated by Leonard’s recent knee injury, which has left him sidelined indefinitely.
Leonard is currently dealing with inflammation in his right knee, and his return timeline remains uncertain. As the Clippers prepare to kick off their season against the Phoenix Suns, it is clear that Leonard will not be available to play. If the Pacers hope to transition from playoff contenders to championship contenders, adding a star like Leonard could be crucial, especially alongside their promising core of Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin, Pascal Siakam, and Myles Turner. However, they will need to navigate the challenges posed by Leonard’s injury as they pursue this potential trade.
