The Indiana Pacers are actively exploring options to bolster their frontcourt, targeting Atlanta’s Onyeka Okongwu, New Orleans’ Yves Missi, the LA Clippers’ Ivica Zubac, and Dallas’ Daniel Gafford, sources told Jake Fischer on The Stein Line.
Indiana is struggling without Tyrese Haliburton, who is out for the season, contributing to a 9–32 record and last-place standing in the Eastern Conference. The team is seeking size and defensive presence to stabilize a roster that allowed 114.9 points per game this season.
Okongwu, 25, has been a consistent force for Atlanta, averaging 16.0 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists over 40 games while shooting 48.2 percent from the field and 36.2 percent from three. His versatility as a rim protector and floor spacer makes him a logical target for the Pacers’ needs.
Missi, 21, has contributed 5.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game in limited minutes for New Orleans. His efficiency in the paint, hitting 55 percent from the field, positions him as a developmental center who could grow with Indiana’s young rotation.
Zubac, 28, has been a cornerstone for the Clippers, averaging 14.8 points and 10.7 rebounds with a .606 shooting percentage across 34 games. Acquiring him would provide an immediate starting-caliber presence in the middle, though sources note his contract and team situation make him a more challenging target.
Gafford, 27, has offered 7.8 points and 6.5 rebounds per game for Dallas while shooting 62.9 percent from the floor. His rim-running ability and pick-and-roll proficiency align with Indiana’s need for athletic bigs capable of finishing around the basket.
The Pacers’ roster currently features Pascal Siakam, Bennedict Mathurin, and Andrew Nembhard as primary contributors, but the team ranks near the bottom in defensive efficiency, underscoring the urgency for frontcourt reinforcements. Indiana’s mix of veterans and young players, including Jarace Walker and Micah Potter, would require pairing with new acquisitions to improve paint protection and rebounding.
