Indiana Pacers free agency preview: Rumors, start time, cap space, biggest storylines
NBA free agency officially begins later today, and the Indiana Pacers could be one of the more active teams on the market.
The Pacers have a ton of salary cap space but only one roster spot, meaning they either will be chasing a big splash in free agency or will be involved in the trade market. The franchise has made their playoff goals for the upcoming season known, and they will look to add talent that will help them reach that goal this summer.
Here is everything to know about Indiana's upcoming free agency period.
When does Indiana Pacers free agency start?
Teams and players are permitted to start dialogue at 6 p.m. Eastern Time on June 30. That is when deals can be verbally agreed to, so news could be released as soon as today about who the blue and gold have signed. Most signings cannot be made official until July 6.
How much salary cap space do the Indiana Pacers have?
Depending on how the Pacers manage their own free agents, they could have as much as $32.2 million in salary cap room to work with in free agency. They could use that money to sign free agents, bring in other players via a trade, or renegotiate contracts with some of their veteran players.
The NBA's new Collective Bargaining Agreement strongly encourages teams to reach the salary floor, which is 90% of the salary cap, before the season starts. Indiana will need to spend roughly $18 million to reach that threshold in the coming days, so look for the blue and gold to make some bigger moves.
UPDATE: As of the Pacers reported moves though July 2, the team has reached the salary floor and has about $7.5 million in salary cap space left.
Who could the Indiana Pacers acquire?
With so much cap space and several extra assets, there are a number of players that the Pacers could add in free agency. Some of the more commonly reported names have been (click the link for more details):
- Max Strus, Miami Heat
- Obi Toppin, New York Knicks (Update, the Pacers have reportedly agreed to a trade to acquire Toppin)
- Tobias Harris, Philadelphia 76ers
- Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards
- De'Andre Hunter, Atlanta Hawks
- Grant Williams, Boston Celtics
- Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors
- Bruce Brown, Denver Nuggets (Update, Brown has agreed to a deal with the Pacers)
- Harrison Barnes, Sacramento Kings (already signed an extension with the Kings)
- Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets
What else could the Indiana Pacers do in free agency?
While trades and signings will dominate the conversation, the most important piece of business for the Pacers in free agency is a contract extension for All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton. He is eligible for a five-year extension worth upwards of $200 million, and most argue that he is worth every penny.
Who are the Indiana Pacers free agents?
The Pacers have five free agents this offseason.
- Oshae Brissett
- Kendall Brown (restricted)
- George Hill
- James Johnson
- Gabe York
You can read more about them here.
"The team will look different next year. There's no question about that. We've got some unrestricted free agents that may or may not be back," Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said just after the season. How much different will be determined starting later today.
- Source: Indiana Pacers sign Bruce Brown to two-year contract in NBA Free Agency. CLICK HERE.
- Report: Tyrese Haliburton to sign five-year, $260 million contract extension with the Indiana Pacers. CLICK HERE.
- Jarace Walker's high school program director breaks down the Pacers' lottery pick's growth. CLICK HERE.
- Report: Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks agree on a trade to send Obi Toppin to Pacers. CLICK HERE.
- Follow AllPacers on Facebook: All Pacers SI
- Follow AllPacers on Twitter: @SIPacers
