The Indiana Pacers are not expected to follow up February’s Ivica Zubac acquisition with another major splash, yet team officials remain open to roster tweaks that could add offense, according to the Indianapolis Star.
Pacers’ possible targets
Guard Malik Monk and swingman Max Strus are among players the Pacers have examined, though either pursuit would likely force Indiana to include young pieces such as Jarace Walker or Ben Sheppard in trade talks. Other names that have surfaced include Oklahoma City reserves Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe, should the Thunder look to trim payroll. Dalton Knecht and Saddiq Bey have also been labeled potential fits.
If Indiana uses its non-taxpayer mid-level exception, options could expand to Quentin Grimes, Kelly Oubre Jr., Ayo Dosunmu, Kevin Huerter and Anfernee Simons.
Pistons focused on Ausar Thompson
In Detroit, rookie swingman Ausar Thompson has become a cornerstone thanks to elite perimeter defense that made him a Defensive Player of the Year finalist. ESPN’s Bobby Marks projects the 2023 No. 5 pick could command a five-year rookie-scale extension worth roughly $162 million. The Pistons are also expected to open extension talks with center Jalen Duren as they continue building around their young core.
Blazers monitoring Antetokounmpo
Columnist Bill Oram of The Oregonian argues Portland should aggressively pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo if the two-time MVP ever reaches the trade market. The Trail Blazers already own Milwaukee’s first-round selections from 2028, 2029 and 2030, assets that could gain value should the Bucks pivot to a rebuild following a potential Antetokounmpo exit.
The offseason picture for all three franchises remains fluid as front offices explore ways to accelerate their timelines.
Source: Hoops Wire
