Pacers GM Chad Buchanan Rules Out LeBron, Details Off-Season Roster Moves
pacers-gm-buchanan-on-lebron-oubre-nance-two-way-roster
Indiana Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan said LeBron James will not be heading to Indianapolis, ending speculation that began after guard Tyrese Haliburton joked about recruiting the superstar on the “Mind The Game” podcast. Speaking on the “Setting The Pace” program, Buchanan confirmed the club made its presentation to agent Rich Paul but learned James had trimmed his list to other franchises.
“If you’re expecting the LeBron-to-Pacers announcement to come, it’s not coming,” Buchanan said. “Hopefully he stays in the West … but I can tell you it won’t be in Indiana, unfortunately.”
Oubre Added for Wing Depth
Buchanan explained that Indiana used part of its non-taxpayer mid-level exception on Kelly Oubre Jr. after deciding the roster needed another two-way wing. The front office considered trade options yet kept circling back to Oubre, viewing him as an immediate contributor who can guard several positions and build on a career-best shooting season.
Nance Replaces Potter in Frontcourt
The Pacers waived Micah Potter to sign veteran Larry Nance Jr., choosing experience and defensive versatility over Potter’s strong 2025-26 numbers (9.7 PPG, 5.0 RPG, .423 from three). Buchanan said coaches valued Nance’s basketball IQ and locker-room fit and noted the 33-year-old “targeted” Indiana in free agency.
Nance will compete with Jay Huff and forward Obi Toppin for backup minutes behind starting center Ivica Zubac. “It’s going to be night-to-night,” Buchanan said. “Heading into camp, it’s an open competition.”
Two-Way Contract Juggling
Indiana has re-signed Kobe Brown and Jalen Slawson to two-way deals and retained Ethan Thompson from last season. The club also expects to add No. 38 overall pick Braden Smith on a two-way, though Buchanan is exploring ways to keep all four players while operating just below the first-apron hard cap.
“We’re very, very tight to the first apron,” he said. Options include giving Smith a standard contract, which would fill the 15-man roster and leave minimal financial flexibility. Buchanan added that coaches were “pleasantly surprised” by Brown’s play after arriving in last season’s trade with Los Angeles, prompting the push to retain him even on a two-way slot.
The Pacers enter training camp with one standard roster spot open and multiple position battles still unresolved.
Source: Hoops Rumors
