Indiana Pacers Urged to Trade for $179 Million Forward

The Indiana Pacers could be active on the trade market this offseason as they look to contend in the Eastern Conference in the 2026-27 season.

One win-now player that the Pacers are urged to consider trading for is Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. 

Porter Jr. is a great three-point shooter and would be another scoring punch for Indiana's lineup. The 27-year-old is coming off a career year, as he averaged 24.2 points per game along with 7.1 rebounds, three assists, and 1.1 steals.

Porter Jr. shot 46.3 percent from the field and 36.3 percent from three. He has one year remaining on a five-year $179 million deal. 

While he wouldn't have the same amount of shots on a more talented team like Indiana, he could still be a top-three scoring option for the team.

Porter Jr. has proven that he can contribute on a winning team, as he helped the Denver Nuggets win the championship in 2023. 

His shooting and scoring would fit well next to a playmaker like Haliburton. Haliburton didn't play in the 2025-26 season as he recovered from a torn Achilles tendon he suffered in Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

In the 2024-25 season, Haliburton played well as a scorer and playmaker, averaging 18.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 9.2 assists, and 1.4 steals while shooting 47.3 percent from the floor and 38.8 percent from downtown.

Porter Jr.'s offense would fit well next to Haliburton and Pascal Siakam. However, his big contract would require Indiana to trade away some of its depth to acquire him, like Andrew Nembhard and Obi Toppin.

The last time Indiana was healthy with this roster, they made it to Game 7 of the NBA Finals, and they may decide to make smaller moves this offseason and potentially make a splash at the deadline, depending on how the season is going.

However, if the Pacers are to make a big move this offseason, Porter Jr. would be a phenomenal fit for their offense.

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