A new three-team trade scenario links the Indiana Pacers with the Dallas Mavericks and Atlanta Hawks, aiming to reshape the roster. The framework would see the Pacers send out forward Aaron Nesmith and acquire young talents Max Christie and Mouhamed Gueye. This speculative move surfaces as the Pacers look to bounce back from a tough 121-133 defeat to the Detroit Pistons on April 12, 2026.
The reported structure is a three-team deal. The Atlanta Hawks would receive Daniel Gafford, Aaron Nesmith, and a 2027 second-round pick from Chicago. The Indiana Pacers would get Max Christie from Dallas, Mouhamed Gueye from Atlanta, and two future second-round picks. The Dallas Mavericks would land Onyeka Okongwu from the Hawks. This is purely a concept from an external outlet and not an official transaction.
Christie, a 23-year-old wing, averaged 12.3 points per game last season for Dallas. He shot 40.4% from three-point range and 89.9% from the free-throw line, profiling as a promising two-way player. Gueye, a 24-year-old forward, posted 4.4 points and 3.6 rebounds per game for Atlanta last year. His shooting percentages were 45.2% from the field and 30.8% from deep.
The Pacers' core is built around Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, and Ivica Zubac. Haliburton is coming off an All-NBA Third Team season where he averaged 18.6 points and 9.2 assists. Siakam made his fourth All-Star team, putting up 24.0 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. Adding young, cost-controlled rotation pieces like Christie and Gueye could provide depth and shooting around that established trio.
Parting with Nesmith would be a tough decision. He's been a valuable contributor, but the return offers different skills. The team's recent form shows a need for adjustments, having lost four of their last five games. That stretch includes losses to Philadelphia, Minnesota, Cleveland, and Charlotte before the Detroit defeat.
Indiana's season ended with a 121-133 loss to the Pistons. Their final five games resulted in a 1-4 record, with the sequence being Loss, Loss, Win, Loss, Loss. You can review the full schedule and results on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page. The front office is undoubtedly evaluating all options to improve after a challenging finish.
A significant subplot is the outcome of the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery. Because the Washington Wizards moved up, the Pacers landed fifth. That sent their first-round pick to the Los Angeles Clippers as part of the Zubac trade. It meant missing out on top prospects like AJ Dybantsa or Cameron Boozer. The pressure is now on Zubac to perform at an All-Star level alongside Haliburton and Siakam.
The focus shifts to the offseason and potential roster moves. While this three-team idea is just speculation, it highlights the kind of maneuvering the Pacers might explore. The primary goal is building a stronger supporting cast for Haliburton and Siakam. The front office will be active, weighing trade offers and free agency to address perimeter defense and shooting. Fans are eager to see how the team reloads for another run at contention in the 2026-27 campaign.
