Pacers need a center and Mavericks’ Daniel Gafford might be the answer

The Pacers appear ready to address their hole in the middle, and Mavericks big man Daniel Gafford is rising to the top of their list.

Indiana has been surveying the market for centers after losing Myles Turner to Milwaukee in free agency. According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Pacers are showing interest in Gafford, who profiles as a natural pick-and-roll partner for Tyrese Haliburton once the All-Star guard returns from his Achilles injury next season.

Gafford, 27, is averaging 8.9 points and 6.4 rebounds while shooting 61 percent from the field. He signed an extension with Dallas over the summer, but league sources tell DallasHoopsJournal he’s viewed as the Mavericks’ most movable veteran as the front office considers reshaping the roster post–Nico Harrison.

The former second-round pick is earning $14.4 million this season and has carved out a niche as a high-efficiency lob finisher with Chicago, Washington and Dallas.

Indiana sits at 6-18 after last year’s run to the NBA Finals, and remains motivated to stabilize its frontcourt. Dallas, meanwhile, is 9-16 and projected to be one of the more active teams once 82 offseason signees become trade-eligible on December 15.