Indiana Pacers NBA Trade Deadline Tracker: Rumors, Targets, and Updates

If you’re looking for a one-stop shop for all things related to Indiana Pacers trade rumors, you’ve come to the right place.

We’ll keep you up to date with the latest news, reporting, and intel surrounding the Pacers as the NBA Trade Deadline approaches on Thursday, Feb. 5, at 3:00 p.m. ET.

February Rumors

Jan 27, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; LA Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) warms up before the game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images | Rob Gray-Imagn Images

February 5th
Per Shams Charania of ESPN, the Indiana Pacers have acquired Ivica Zubac and Kobe Brown from the Los Angeles Clippers for Bennedict Mathurin, Isiaah Jackson a 2026 (1-4 and 10-30 protected), a 2029 first, and a 2028 second from Dallas. If the Pacers retain their 2026 first round pick, they will send their 2031 first round pick to the Clippers. This is a massive move by the Pacers to land their starting center of the future.

February 5th
Around 2:00 PM EST, Jake Fischer reiterated that, "the Indiana Pacers have Ivica Zubac number one, and Daniel Gafford number two."

There was zero additional reporting on Kal'El Ware, after previously mentioning them an hour prior.

Jan 13, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Miami Heat center Kel'el Ware (7) shoots against LA Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) during the fourth quarter at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images | Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

February 5th
Jake Fischer continues to report that the Indiana Pacers are aggressively pursuing a center before the 3:00 PM EST Trade Deadline:

"The Clippers have maintained a high asking price for Ivica Zubac, sources say. I've been told that Zubac and Daniel Gafford remain the Pacers' leading targets to find a starting center for Tyrese Haliburton next season."

While on a live show discussing this tweet and these names, Fischer added,

"There's still a third guy in the mix. I don't want to say it right now, but if you want to start drawing the line to Miami and Indiana, how I got all here, maybe you can take a guess on that one."

All indications are pointing to Kel'El Ware being the name that is tied to the Pacers here. However, I would not exclude the possibility of a three-team deal with Miami, Indiana and the Los Angeles Clippers.

ayo — Mar 31, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu (12) works around Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jordan McLaughlin (6) during the second half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images | Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

February 5th
According to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic, the Minnesota Timberwolves acquired Ayo Dosunmu and Julian Phillips for Leonard Miller, Rob Dillingham and four second-round picks.

Jake Fischer had recently reported that the Indiana Pacers and Chicago Bulls had talked about a Bennedict Mathurin for Ayo Dosunmu swap. With Dosunmu headed to Minnesota, Mathurin to Chicago is unlikely to happen.

February 5th
Brian Windhorst of ESPN has this to say about the trade value of Ivica Zubac:

"If Ivica Zubac gets traded today, he's going to get traded for more than Anthony Davis was traded for. It will be multiple 1st-round draft picks."

This suggested trade value is well within reach for the Indiana Pacers, thanks in part to a savvy front-office maneuver during their run to the NBA Finals, when Indiana reacquired its 2026 first-round pick.

That move restored the Pacers’ ability to freely trade future first-round selections without restrictions from the Stepien Rule, giving the organization significantly greater flexibility in trade negotiations. Additionally, the injury-plagued season Indiana has navigated has positioned the franchise to potentially land a top-five selection in what many evaluators view as one of the deepest draft classes of the past decade.

February 5th
Jake Fischer continues his strong reporting with an update on Ivica Zubac:

"Sources: After trading James Harden to Cleveland earlier this week, the Clippers have still been receiving calls on starting center Ivica Zubac, with the Indiana Pacers prime among his suitors."

I will have a deep dive article on the Pacers aggressive pursuit of Zubac out shortly, but it is clear that the Indiana Pacers are going for a big swing to sure up the hole they have at their starting five position.

February 4th
Michael Grange of Sports Net on Pacers having interest in Jakob Poeltl:

"Another team that I heard Poeltl mentioned with was the Indiana Pacers, who are looking for a quality big to round out their lineup for next season when Tyrese Haliburton is presumably healthy.”

Jake Fischer then countered this rumor with this: "Sources say, that the Pacers, despite their well chronicled search for size, have not registered interest in Jakob Poeltl."

I don't think the Pacers will pursue Jakob Poeltl as the Poeltl contract does not make sense for Indiana's long-term financial situation.

February 4th
According to Ian Begley of SNY, the New York Knicks are showing interest in Jose Alvarado and Yves Missi. Begley also mentions that Missi has drawn strong interest from the Indiana Pacers, and other teams.

Begley added that it might require significant draft capital for the Pelicans to move Missi.

February 4th
The Atlanta Hawks have continued to express interest in trading for Dallas' center, Daniel Gafford, per Marc Stein and Jake Fischer. The Hawks traded with the Utah Jazz for Jock Landale early today, which could alter their reported interest in Daniel Gafford.

Fischer added that the Mavericks are still seeking first-round draft capital for the big man.

We’ve seen throughout this trade season that just because a team is rumored to be seeking a certain type of return does not necessarily prevent a deal from getting done. Front offices often adjust expectations as negotiations evolve, particularly as the deadline approaches and leverage begins to shift.

Indiana has been linked to Daniel Gafford on multiple occassions throughout the trade season, dating all the way back to December. The Atlanta Hawks *could* be out of the Gafford sweepstakes, clearing the path for an easier deal.

February 4th
Tim MacMahon on The Hoop Collective Podcast sheds some insight on Walker Kessler's future with the Utah Jazz:

I’m just telling you, the Walker Kessler Restricted Free Agency is not going to be a fun, cozy experience. They want to keep Walker Kessler.

They have turned down picks or offers, rather, for nice draft compensation over the last year or so for him. They see him as part of their core moving forward. They have a number in mind for Walker Kessler, and Walker and his representation have a much larger number in mind.

He will be a restricted free agency, but it will be very interesting to see if Walker can get the kind of offer that's going to put the Jazz to the test, when they have now a front court where Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. are going to be making roughly 95 million a year combined moving forward.
Tim MacMahon

For Indiana Pacers fans hoping that Walker Kessler could emerge as a long-term answer at center, his availability may ultimately hinge on contract dynamics rather than on-court fit. Kessler is expected to command a significant payday on his next deal, and there is growing belief that his desired contract numbers may not align with what the Utah Jazz are willing to commit.

mathurin allen — Nov 3, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) shoots while Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

February 4th
Jake Fischer: "The Bulls and the Pelicans are the two known suitors that The Stein Line has identified for Mathurin while Indiana also continues to scour the center market for frontcourt additions. The Pacers are another team, sources say, that has called on Cleveland's Allen."

Indiana connected to Jarrett Allen again, and the Bulls join the Pelicans as another team to have interest in Mathurin.

ayo — Jan 28, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu (11) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

February 4th
The Pacers and Bulls have discussed an Ayo Dosunmu-for-Bennedict Mathurin swap, per Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.

“League sources say that there has been some tangible discussion this week between Chicago and Indiana on a possible Dosunmu-for-Bennedict Mathurin swap. Yet it's unclear what affect the Bulls' Tuesday business might have on those talks.”

Dsounmu and Mathurin are both free agents in the summer of 2026.

February 4th
The Minnesota Timberwolves are actively exploring avenues to position themselves for a potential move for Giannis Antetokounmpo.

According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, any deal that brings Giannis to Minnesota would have to include Jaden McDaniels. McDaniels could emerge as the centerpiece of Milwaukee’s return, or potentially be rerouted to a third team in exchange for additional draft capital.

While there is no indication that the Indiana Pacers are positioned to swoop in and acquire McDaniels directly, the mere possibility of a two-way wing with playoff experience becoming available is notable. Players with McDaniels’ defensive versatility, size, and postseason résumé rarely hit the market—and when they do, they warrant league-wide consideration.

February 3rd
Per ClutchPoints: The Utah Jazz will NOT be trading Walker Kessler. All indications point to Kessler, who will be a restricted free agnet in the offseason, receiving a new long-term deal from the Jazz.

Vooch — Jan 14, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) drives to the basket against the Utah Jazz during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

February 3rd
The Boston Celtics, who had been actively searching for a starting center, found their answer Tuesday afternoon by acquiring Nikola Vučević from the Chicago Bulls, per Shams Charania of ESPN. There is also belief that the Bulls and Celtics could expand this deal into something bigger before Thursday's Trade Deadline.

The move removes a key competitor from the market for a starting-caliber big man, a development worth noting for the Indiana Pacers as they continue to evaluate their own options in the frontcourt.

jjj — Dec 23, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward/center Jaren Jackson Jr. (8) looks to pass around Utah Jazz center Kyle Filipowski (22) during the first half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Peter Creveling-Imagn Images | Peter Creveling-Imagn Images

February 3rd
The first blockbuster trade of the week came down on Tuesday, Feb. 3. According to Shams Charania, the Utah Jazz and Memphis Grizzlies connected on a significant deal, setting the tone early as the trade market began to heat up.

In this proposed framework, the Utah Jazz would receive Jaren Jackson Jr., John Konchar, Jock Landale, and Vince Williams Jr., adding a mix of high-level defensive talent, frontcourt depth, and rotation versatility.

The Memphis Grizzlies, in turn, would acquire Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, and Georges Niang, along with significant draft capital. The package would include three first-round picks: a 2027 selection via Cleveland/Minnesota/Utah, a 2027 pick from the Los Angeles Lakers, and an unprotected 2031 first-round pick from Phoenix.

This move signals that the Memphis Grizzlies are open for business, while the Utah Jazz appear focused on assembling a roster capable of competing as early as next season.

It also raises questions about the long-term availability of Walker Kessler, who is set to enter restricted free agency. With Jaren Jackson Jr. capable of playing center, roster flexibility becomes a key variable. That said, Jackson Jr. is also effective at the four, opening the door to a frontcourt alignment featuring Kessler at the five and Lauri Markkanen sliding to the three, an option that would allow Utah to maximize size and versatility across the lineup.

The Indiana Pacers have been consistently linked to Walker Kessler throughout the trade rumor mill, making this a situation worth monitoring closely.

It’s also notable that the Memphis Grizzlies have Zach Edey and Santi Aldama under contract. Depending on how Memphis approaches the deadline, the availability of either big man could be something Indiana considers exploring as it continues to evaluate options at center.

February 3rd
According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, The Clippers are expected to pivot away from their current core by 2027.

“As league sources close to James Harden discussed with The Athletic, the Clippers’ long-term plan of clearing their salary cap books for the summer of 2027 was a factor in this decision."

This could very well mean that Ivica Zubac is on the trading block, who the Indiana Pacers have reportedly shown interest in before

giannis — Dec 30, 2022; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives for the basket between Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (1) and forward Jaden McDaniels (3) during the second quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

February 2nd
While not directly related to the Indiana Pacers, according to Brian Windhorst of ESPN, the Timberwolves are looking for help from third and fourth teams to help facilitate a Giannis trade to Minnesota.

The Indiana Pacers have: an open roster spot, are 5.6 million below the luxury tax, and have notoriously helped facilitate 3 and 4 team deals since Kevin Pritchard took over as President of Basketball Operations.

January Rumors

On January 30th, Will Guillory of The Athletic, reported that the Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors are showing the most serious trade interest in Yves Missi.

Jake Fischer noted on January 22 that Indiana has registered interest in Yves Missi of the New Orleans Pelicans. While New Orleans has interest in Bennedict Mathurin, Fischer described a straight-up swap between the two as an “incomplete deal framework,” with Indiana hoping to extract greater value for Mathurin.

Sam Amico of HoopsWire.com and co-host of Full Court Cleveland, shared that the Indiana Pacers are monitoring Jarrett Allen on January 16th.

okongwu — Jan 23, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu (17) celebrates after a victory over the Phoenix Suns at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

“At the bottom of the East, expectations persist that Indiana will chase big men for the present and future until the Feb. 5 buzzer sounds,” Fischer wrote.

Further reinforcing Indiana’s continued search for help up front, Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported on January 15th that the Pacers contacted the Atlanta Hawks to gauge the availability of Onyeka Okongwu.

claxton — Jan 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

On January 15, Scotto reported during an appearance on the YES Network that the Pacers, Golden State Warriors, and several other teams have shown interest in Nicolas Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets.

Michael Scotto reported that both the Indiana Pacers and the Boston Celtics have expressed interest in Ivica Zubac. However, it would likely take at least two first-round picks for the Los Angeles Clippers to seriously consider moving their starting center.

December Rumors

Jake Fischer has heard that the Indiana Pacers are monitoring Daniel Gafford in a December 9th post: “Turner's old team in Indiana is expected to shop the in-season trade market for big men and 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.”

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, who joined Setting The Pace in December, the Indiana Pacers have compiled a list of eight players they are monitoring ahead of the trade deadline. Of that group, Scotto was aware of two names at the time: former Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis and Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford.

Ellis has since been dealt to the Cleveland Cavaliers as part of a three-team trade involving the Chicago Bulls, while Gafford remains with Dallas.