NBA Rumors: Pacers, offseason targets, Pistons, Ausar Thompson, Blazers

Pacers

The Pacers aren’t expected to make another blockbuster move this offseason after acquiring center Ivica Zubac at the trade deadline, but that doesn’t mean Indiana will be standing still.

According to the Indianapolis Star’s Dustin Dopirak, the Pacers could explore a variety of options to bolster their roster, particularly if they decide they need another scoring threat.

Among the names mentioned as potential trade targets are Malik Monk and Max Strus, though acquiring either player could require Indiana to part with young players such as Jarace Walker and Ben Sheppard.

Other possible options include Oklahoma City reserves Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe if the Thunder decide to trim salary, while Dalton Knecht and Saddiq Bey have also been identified as players who could fit Indiana’s needs.

Should the Pacers choose to use their non-taxpayer mid-level exception, players such as Quentin Grimes, Kelly Oubre Jr., Ayo Dosunmu, Kevin Huerter and Anfernee Simons could draw consideration.

Pistons

The Pistons have several important decisions ahead, and one of the biggest may involve Ausar Thompson.

As Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press recently noted, Thompson’s offensive game remains a work in progress, but his defensive impact has made him one of Detroit’s foundational pieces.

Thompson emerged as a Defensive Player of the Year finalist this season and has become one of the NBA’s most versatile perimeter defenders.

Because of that, he could be in line for a significant rookie-scale extension. ESPN’s Bobby Marks recently projected a five-year deal worth approximately $162 million.

Detroit is also expected to discuss a new contract with center Jalen Duren as the organization continues building around its young core.

Trail Blazers

Could Portland emerge as a surprise player in the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes?

The Oregonian’s Bill Oram believes the answer should be yes.

While acknowledging the challenges involved in landing a superstar of Antetokounmpo’s caliber, Oram argued that Portland should aggressively pursue the two-time MVP if he becomes available.

The Trail Blazers showed signs of progress this season, but adding a true franchise-changing talent could dramatically accelerate their timeline.

Portland may also have an advantage few teams can match.

The Blazers currently control Milwaukee’s first-round draft picks from 2028 through 2030, assets that could prove valuable if the Bucks enter a rebuilding phase following a potential Antetokounmpo departure.

Whether that’s enough to make a deal happen remains to be seen, but the possibility is one worth monitoring as the offseason continues.