Pacers Predicted to "Stand Pat" Despite Terrible Season

What should the Pacers do at the trade deadline? They are one of the worst teams in the league, but nobody blames them for that. Their team has been devastated by injuries. Tyrese Haliburton has been out for the whole season, but that’s just been one of their many health issues. 

Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report came up with bold predictions for the 2026 trade deadline, and his Pacers prediction was that the team wouldn’t make any drastic moves. 

“There's a reasonable argument to move Bennedict Mathurin and avoid his upcoming restricted free agency, but the Indiana Pacers should be in pretty good shape no matter what they do.

With or without Mathurin, the Pacers will keep losing this season. And every loss will solidify their chances for the top pick in the 2026 draft. Adding that to Tyrese Haliburton will give Indiana one of the most interesting cores in the East, regardless of how challenging Mathurin's free agency is.

At 23 years old, it's not like Mathurin is some wily old vet either. Re-signing him or matching whatever offer sheet he signs and making him a part of the Haliburton-(insert big-time prospect here)-Pascal Siakam trio shouldn't be a hard sell to the fans.”

The Pacers are heading towards a top lottery pick and a healthier roster for next season. That alone should make this lost season a success. All the Pacers need to do is keep up the losing and make sure none of their other key pieces get seriously injured.