Trade proposal lands former Pacers lottery pick Jarace Walker with Spurs

The Spurs are poised to miss the postseason for the sixth consecutive season, with their current 28-38 record placing them at No. 12 in the Western Conference. Despite setbacks, including season-ending injuries to first-time NBA All-Star Victor Wembanyama, trade acquisition De’Aaron Fox, and even legendary coach Gregg Popovich, San Antonio is not without hope for the future.

As the season winds down, speculation has begun regarding potential moves that could reshape the Spurs’ roster for the 2025-26 season.

In a hypothetical trade proposal relayed by Dean Simon of Sporting News, Spurs general manager Brian Wright could explore a deal with the Pacers to acquire 2023 No. 8 overall pick Jarace Walker, a promising 6-foot-8 forward whose future in Indiana is uncertain.

Recent reports, including an update from Forbes’ Evan Sidery, suggest that Walker, along with fellow Pacers’ lottery pick Bennedict Mathurin, could be available on the trade market this summer.

Sidery shared via Twitter/X that Walker, who has struggled for consistent playing time under Pacers coach Rick Carlisle, has even found himself on the receiving end of multiple “DNP” (Did Not Play) designations this season.

“Rick Carlisle has reduced playing time for the Pacers’ recent lottery picks, Bennedict Mathurin and Jarace Walker,” Sidery noted. “Mathurin has gone four straight games not playing 25 minutes. Walker continues receiving DNPs. Teams will be calling Indiana about these two prospects this summer.”

While Walker’s limited role with the Pacers this season — where he has averaged 5.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks in just 15.3 minutes per game — might not scream “trade asset,” his defensive prowess and potential as a two-way player has caught the attention of scouts.

The former University of Houston standout has posted a solid 0.9 defensive box plus-minus and flashed his potential during a November 6 game against the Magic, where he scored a career-high 17 points and added six rebounds, two steals, and one block in a 118-111 victory.

For the Spurs, adding Walker could provide an intriguing opportunity. With Wembanyama expected to anchor the future of San Antonio’s roster, pairing him with a versatile defender like Walker could create a dynamic frontcourt combination.

The Spurs’ coaching staff may also offer a chance for Walker to thrive in a more prominent and consistent NBA role, something he has yet to receive in Indiana.

In return, San Antonio could offer a package centered around Malaki Branham, a young guard who has shown promise but remains a work in progress, along with possible NBA draft picks to sweeten the deal.

If successful, the Spurs could look back on this trade as one of the most significant in franchise history, as Walker’s development could help solidify the team’s future while giving Wembanyama a talented defensive counterpart for years to come. But any potential deal would likely come at a steep price, with the Pacers expected to demand a premium for their young asset.

At any rate, as the Spurs focus on the future, this proposed move could be a step toward building a more competitive team in the years ahead.