Indiana Pacers Draft Trade Sweet Spot Might Be Early Second Round
Key takeaways
- Sports Money Indiana Pacers Draft Trade Sweet Spot Might Be Early Second Round By Tony East,
- Indiana has spent the last month finalizing their draft prep ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft despite being one of two teams (Portland Trail Blazers) that does not own a single selection.
- Even without one of the 60 draft slots, the Pacers want to be prepared in case they do end up with a pick.
Sports Money Indiana Pacers Draft Trade Sweet Spot Might Be Early Second Round By Tony East,
Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Tony East is an Indiana-based writer who covers the Pacers and Fever.Follow Author Jun 18, 2026, 01:03pm EDTTORONTO, CANADA - FEBRUARY 8: Brandon Ingram #3 of the Toronto Raptors drives to the net against Kam Jones #7 and Johnny Furphy #12 of the Indiana Pacers during the second half of their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on February 8, 2026 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)Getty ImagesINDIANAPOLIS – The current NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) has covered three NBA Drafts, and in all three the Indiana Pacers have made a trade involving a draft pick between 31-39. That trend may continue in 2026. According to a report from Jake Fischer in The Stein Line, the Pacers are searching for a trade that would land them a pick in the 30s.
Indiana has spent the last month finalizing their draft prep ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft despite being one of two teams (Portland Trail Blazers) that does not own a single selection. The Pacers dealt their own second-round selection (32nd overall) back in 2021 while their first-round choice (fifth overall) officially went to the Los Angeles Clippers after the NBA Draft Lottery.