INDIANAPOLIS – In a series of developments that could shape the immediate and long-term future of the Indiana Pacers, the team made a key trade while navigating the uncertainty of their star player’s health. According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Indiana has traded its No. 23 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft to the New Orleans Pelicans. In return, the Pacers will reacquire their 2026 first-round pick, originally sent to Toronto in the deal for Pascal Siakam. This strategic move not only reshapes their draft outlook but also comes as the franchise confronts the most serious concern of its postseason run: Tyrese Haliburton’s injury, which now casts a long shadow over the team’s fading hopes in the NBA Finals.
Tyrese Haliburton’s Finals In Jeopardy And Pacers Make A Trade
A Trade for Flexibility, Not Just Assets
By trading away the No. 23 pick, the Pacers cleared nearly $3.2 million in cap space. In addition to financial breathing room, the deal returns their own first-round pick in 2026—once routed through Toronto and New Orleans via earlier trades.
The Pelicans, who also received G League guard Mojave King in the exchange, now hold two first-round selections (Nos. 7 and 23) in the 2025 NBA Draft. King, 23, played 15 games for the Indiana Mad Ants last season before stints in Puerto Rico and New Zealand.
For Indiana, the trade signals a balance between immediate flexibility and future continuity. It positions them to stay below the luxury tax and cap aprons, with an estimated $20 million in room entering this offseason. The Pacers now own their first-round pick in seven consecutive years beginning in 2026, giving the front office long-term leverage as they build around their emerging core.
Haliburton’s Injury Looms Over Game 6
While the front office moves chess pieces off the court, the on-court reality remains precarious. Tyrese Haliburton’s injury resurfaced in Game 5 of the Finals when the All-Star guard aggravated his right calf early in the game. Although he returned with the leg heavily wrapped, Haliburton looked limited and ineffective.
He played 34 minutes but failed to score from the field, missing all six of his shots. His four points represented the lowest playoff output of his career. More troubling, it was the first time in a postseason game that he finished without a made field goal.
Head coach Rick Carlisle admitted after the game that Haliburton wasn’t fully healthy. Still, the star guard signaled his intent to suit up for Game 6 in Indianapolis. “If I can walk, then I want to play,” Haliburton declared, acknowledging the high stakes of a potential elimination game.
His calf strain will undergo further evaluation via MRI, with results expected before Thursday night’s tip-off. The Pacers trail the Oklahoma City Thunder 3-2 in the series.
The Pacers Face a Defining Moment
This marks Indiana’s first NBA Finals appearance since 2000, and Haliburton’s injury could not come at a worse time. The franchise has relied heavily on Haliburton’s playmaking throughout the postseason. He’s averaged 15.0 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.2 rebounds while shooting 45% from the field over five games in the series.
Injuries have hampered Haliburton before. After Game 2, he limped off due to what was later identified as a right ankle issue—an injury in the same region as the current strain. While he remains determined to compete, the team must consider how much risk he can take while already compromised.
Beyond the Finals: Building Ahead
Indiana is likely to retain most of its core heading into next season, with Myles Turner being the lone major free-agent question. Turner becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer, and his decision could shape the frontcourt’s future.
Despite their Finals predicament, the trade with New Orleans shows Indiana’s front office remains proactive. By reclaiming their future pick and clearing cap space, they prepare for a path that supports both contention and sustainable growth.
Whether the Pacers can extend this Finals run may hinge on how Haliburton’s calf responds. But the organization’s long-term strategy remains intact—and flexible.
As the team braces for Game 6, the stakes are clear. Tyrese Haliburton’s injury has complicated a dream run to the NBA Finals. Now, it’s up to Indiana to show how much they can endure and adapt to force a game 7.
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