The Indiana Pacers are reportedly considering a move for veteran sharpshooter Duncan Robinson to strengthen their bench as they prepare for a competitive Eastern Conference. This speculation comes as the team continues its preseason schedule, most recently falling 114-112 to the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 13. Their next test is a home preseason matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks on October 16.
Adding a proven three-point threat like Duncan Robinson directly addresses a need for the Pacers. His career 40% shooting from deep would provide invaluable spacing for star guard Tyrese Haliburton. Robinson’s experience in high-pressure playoff situations is another asset for a team looking to make a deeper run. The proposed trade would send Obi Toppin and a 2028 second-round pick to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Robinson.
Financially, the deal is manageable for Indiana. Swapping Toppin’s $15.0 million contract for Robinson’s $15.9 million deal adds about $900,000 in salary. The Pacers, sitting roughly $2.0 million below the first apron, could absorb this. For Detroit, the move sheds salary and helps them stay under the tax line, offering future flexibility.
The Pacers have already made significant moves this offseason, including adding center Ivica Zubac. But their preseason performances, like a 123-112 win over Minnesota on October 7 and a close 119-117 loss to Atlanta on October 10, show there’s room for refinement. Robinson’s skill set offers something different from the current wing rotation.
He wouldn’t disrupt the core built around Haliburton. Instead, he’d be a specialist off the bench, coming off screens and hitting catch-and-shoot threes. This kind of role player can be the difference in tight playoff games. The team’s structure, which took them to the 2025 NBA Finals, relies on depth and system play over pure star power.
The East is stacked. The New York Knicks are defending champions, while the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat remain elite. Indiana’s 19-63 record last season was marred by injuries, most notably Haliburton’s Achilles rupture. His return changes everything, but the conference is unforgiving.
Securing a reliable shooter like Robinson could help the Pacers steal wins in close contests. It’s about stacking small advantages to compete with the conference giants. Every possession matters, and a player who forces defenses to stay glued to the perimeter opens driving lanes for Haliburton and others.
Indiana’s front office has shown a willingness to make smart, incremental moves. This potential trade fits that pattern. Fans can track the team’s progress and upcoming schedule on our schedule page. The final preseason game against Milwaukee will offer one more look at the roster before the real battles begin.
