The Indiana Pacers are targeting a forward in free agency who would be a great fit.
The Indiana Pacers are looking to become contenders again in the 2026-27 season after a gap year, as Tyrese Haliburton was out with a torn Achilles tendon.
Haliburton had led the Pacers to Game 7 of the NBA Finals in the 2024-25 season, but he went down with a torn Achilles tendon in that game, causing him to miss the entire 2025-26 season.
In the 2024-25 season, Haliburton appeared in 73 games, averaging 18.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 9.2 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, shooting 47.3 percent from the field and 38.8 percent from three.
While Haliburton is a talented player and the Pacers have a solid roster, they need to improve in free agency to compete with teams like the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference.
While Indiana handled the Knicks the last time they met in the playoffs, New York has improved and is coming off a championship.
Brian Fluharty-Imagn ImagesOne target the Pacers are interested in pursuing in free agency is Kelly Oubre Jr. from the Philadelphia 76ers.
Oubre is coming off a great 2025-26 season as he averaged 14.1 points, five rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 46.7 percent from the floor and 36 percent from three.
The 30-year-old forward would be a perfect fit for Indiana as an athletic finisher and scorer. He would fit seamlessly into the Pacers' fast-paced offense, which likes to get out in transition, with Haliburton as one of the best playmakers in the league.
Oubre would play well alongside Haliburton as a lob threat in transition and as a solid three-point shooter. He is also a solid defender, as he thrives at getting in the passing lanes for deflections and steals.
Oubre could be a starter for Indiana alongside Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Pascal Siakam, and Ivica Zubac, or he could be the sixth man with Aaron Nesmith starting at small forward.
The Pacers need to replace Bennedict Mathurin's scoring punch after they moved him to the Los Angeles Clippers in the deal for Zubac at the trade deadline, and Oubre would be an ideal replacement.
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