Indiana Pacers Eye Early Second-Round Draft Pick

The Indiana Pacers are looking to trade for a draft pick in the early second round of the 2026 NBA Draft. According to a report from Jake Fischer in The Stein Line, the Pacers are searching for a trade that would land them a pick in the 30s.

What happened?

The Pacers have made a trade involving a draft pick between 31-39 in each of the last three NBA Drafts. In 2024, they moved up one slot in the second round to acquire pick 35 from the San Antonio Spurs, selecting Johnny Furphy. Last summer, Indiana and San Antonio linked up again, with the Pacers sending a 2030 second-round draft pick and cash considerations to the Spurs in exchange for pick 38, choosing Kam Jones.

Why it matters for Indiana Pacers

The new CBA introduced a second-round pick exception, allowing teams to sign players selected in the second round to standard NBA contracts without using a salary cap exception or cap room. This exception grants teams additional spending power while taking nothing away from draftees. If a team uses this exception to sign a pick to a three-year deal, the third season of the contract must contain a team option.

What comes next?

The Pacers have spent the last month finalizing their draft prep ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft, despite not owning a single selection. They dealt their own second-round selection in 2021, and their first-round choice officially went to the Los Angeles Clippers after the NBA Draft Lottery. Indiana wants to be prepared in case they do end up with a pick, and making a trade for a selection in the 30s has been a sweet spot for the franchise in recent drafts.

The Pacers' interest in acquiring a pick in the early second round is driven by their desire to add young talent to their roster without sacrificing significant assets. With the new CBA rules in place, they can sign players selected in the second round to standard NBA contracts, providing them with additional flexibility in their roster construction.