The Indiana Pacers should consider a trade for a sharpshooting guard.
The Indiana Pacers had a rough season, finishing with a 19-63 record and not owning their draft pick due to the protections in the Ivica Zubac trade.
However, the Pacers still have a talented roster and could make a run in the Eastern Conference in the 2026-27 season.
As Indiana looks to solidify the roster, a trade for sharpshooter Isaiah Joe makes sense. The Oklahoma City Thunder have an expensive roster and will need to make some trades to save money.
That leaves Joe as expendable, especially given the depth the Thunder have on their roster.
Joe will make $11.3 million in the 2026-27 season, with a $11.3 million player option for the 2027-28 season. The 26-year-old would be a scorer and shooter off the bench for the Pacers.
In the 2025-26 season, Joe averaged 11.1 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game while shooting 45.5 percent from the field and 42.3 percent from three.
Alonzo Adams-Imagn ImagesHe could be a pivotal piece for Indiana, fitting well as a floor spacer alongside a playmaker like Tyrese Haliburton. Haliburton is one of the best passers in the league and would thrive with having another shooter to kick it out to when he collapses the defense.
In the 2024-25 season, Haliburton played at a high level, leading the Pacers to the NBA Finals and averaging 18.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 9.2 assists, and 1.4 steals. The 26-year-old guard shot 47.3 percent from the floor and 38.8 percent from deep.
Haliburton makes those around him better, and Joe could thrive playing alongside him. Indiana has a solid bench with TJ McConnell, Ben Sheppard, Jarace Walker, and Obi Toppin, but they could use another scorer and shooter like Joe to ease some pressure off the starters.
The question for Indiana in making a deal for a player like Joe is the price tag. Oklahoma City needs to shed salary, which could make Joe a buy-low piece for a player who could be a rotational guard for the Pacers.
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