Exploring Potential Trade Targets for the Indiana Pacers
Mar 8, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara (33) drives to the basket during the second half against Indiana Pacers forward Jarace Walker (5) at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
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The Indiana Pacers are considering several defensive-minded players to enhance their roster ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season. Key candidates include Derrick Jones Jr. from the Los Angeles Clippers, Luguentz Dort from the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Toumani Camara from the Portland Trail Blazers, each offering unique defensive skills and potential for the Pacers' win-now strategy.
- 01Derrick Jones Jr. has averaged 10.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game for the Clippers, making him a solid trade candidate as he enters the final year of his contract.
- 02Luguentz Dort, known for his physical defense, finished fourth in the Defensive Player of the Year voting last season and has a team option worth $18.2 million for next season.
- 03Toumani Camara, a standout for the Portland Trail Blazers, recently signed a four-year, $82 million contract and was named to the All-NBA Defensive Second Team.
- 04The proposed trade for Camara would involve significant assets, including future first-round picks, indicating the Pacers' commitment to enhancing their roster.
- 05Indiana's management is weighing the benefits of acquiring high-level defensive players against the need to fill other roster gaps.
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The Indiana Pacers are actively exploring trade options to bolster their roster with defensive-minded players ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season. Among the top candidates is Derrick Jones Jr. from the Los Angeles Clippers, who has consistently contributed with 10.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game over the past two seasons. As he enters the final year of his three-year, $30 million contract, the Clippers may look to move him for additional assets, especially after acquiring a high draft pick from a previous trade. Another potential target is Luguentz Dort from the Oklahoma City Thunder, who has earned recognition for his defensive prowess, finishing fourth in the Defensive Player of the Year voting last season. Dort's team option is valued at $18.2 million, making him a feasible addition to the Pacers' core. Lastly, Toumani Camara of the Portland Trail Blazers, who recently signed a lucrative four-year, $82 million extension, is seen as a more challenging acquisition due to his value to Portland. The Pacers would need to offer substantial assets, including multiple future first-round picks, to secure Camara. Overall, while these trades could significantly enhance Indiana's defensive capabilities, the management must also consider other roster needs.
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Acquiring any of these players would enhance the Pacers' defensive capabilities, potentially leading to improved performance in the upcoming season.
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