Pacers Could Acquire $78M Center in Potential Trade
A bold trade could help the Indiana Pacers address their long-standing center issue. Currently sitting fifth in the Eastern Conference standings, the Pacers are emerging as serious contenders, and a trade could further solidify their position while improving their future prospects. Here’s a proposed deal:
Pacers receive: Jakob Poeltl
Raptors receive: Aaron Nesmith, Isaiah Jackson, and a 2028 second-round pick
The Pacers have been on fire recently, winning eight of their last nine games, including an impressive 8-1 record in 2025. Tyrese Haliburton’s newfound aggressiveness and better overall team health have been key to their success, despite two backup centers suffering season-ending injuries.
Nesmith’s return to health is a key reason he could be included in this trade. With Bennedict Mathurin and Jarace Walker stepping up during Nesmith’s absence, he has become somewhat expendable. Coupled with the expiring contract of Jackson, this trade package offers solid value for Indiana.
Acquiring Poeltl would address the Pacers’ long-term center issue. With Myles Turner set to become a free agent, the Pacers risk losing him, so adding Poeltl to the rotation would bolster their frontcourt. Poeltl would bring much-needed shot-blocking and rebounding to a team lacking in both areas.
For Toronto, the trade would net them two young players who could help fuel their rebuild. However, the Raptors may demand more in return for Poeltl, making this trade unlikely to materialize in its current form. The Pacers could also explore trading Nesmith for a different package that would bring in an impactful starter.
The approach the Pacers take as the trade deadline approaches will be one of the key storylines in the coming weeks. So far this season, Poeltl is averaging 14.6 points, 10.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game, while Nesmith is putting up 9.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game.
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