Pacers Trade Rumors: $9M Sharpshooter Emerges as Key Target for Indiana

Every team can benefit from adding more shooting, and the Indiana Pacers are no exception.

With their up-tempo style of play, the Pacers prioritize driving to the basket and kicking the ball out to find open shooters beyond the arc. However, they’ve been attempting fewer three-pointers this season compared to last year.

This decline can be attributed to the presence of Pascal Siakam, who has been with the team throughout the season. While Siakam excels in the midrange, he’s also currently the team’s most efficient 3-point shooter by percentage. Tyrese Haliburton’s renewed focus on attacking the paint has further bolstered the Pacers’ offensive game. By cutting back on long-range attempts and finishing more plays at the rim, Haliburton has become a key contributor to their success.

Despite these improvements, Indiana could still use additional shooting depth off the bench. According to Bleacher Report, one specific trade target could address this need: Luke Kennard. Widely recognized as one of the NBA’s premier 3-point shooters, Kennard’s skill set aligns perfectly with Indiana’s offensive philosophy.

Coming off the bench, Kennard could thrive alongside T.J. McConnell, whose ability to penetrate the paint would create open looks for Kennard from the corners—likely multiple times per game. At present, Indiana’s bench lacks consistent shooting, with Obi Toppin struggling from deep and Ben Sheppard shooting a respectable but not elite 37% from beyond the arc. The return of Aaron Nesmith will help boost the second unit’s perimeter shooting, as will Bennedict Mathurin’s impending move back to the bench.

Kennard’s defensive limitations may restrict his minutes, but his elite 3-point shooting remains an invaluable asset. Averaging 8.8 points, 3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game while shooting 46.4% from beyond the arc, Kennard represents exactly the kind of scoring threat Indiana could use to keep their offense dynamic and high-scoring.

As one of the league’s top marksmen, Kennard is sure to attract interest from multiple teams. For a team like Indiana that thrives on offense to secure wins, adding a sharpshooter like Kennard could be a game-changer.