The Indiana Pacers are knocking on the door of greatness but still lack the firepower to kick it down. After an impressive run to the Eastern Conference Finals last season, Indiana’s balanced roster led by Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam looks strong. But the glaring absence of a consistent 25-point-per-game scorer may leave them one piece shy of true contention.
Enter Zach LaVine. The Chicago Bulls’ electric two-time All-Star is reportedly on the trade block, and the Pacers could be the perfect landing spot. A trade for LaVine could elevate Indiana from a gritty playoff team to a legitimate title threat, but pulling it off will require bold moves ahead of the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline.
Why LaVine fits Indiana’s championship blueprint
At 28, Zach LaVine remains one of the NBA’s most dynamic scorers. Averaging 23.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.6 assists this season while shooting an eye-popping 45.6% from beyond the arc, LaVine brings elite athleticism, shooting, and playmaking to any team. His ability to take over games in crunch time could solve Indiana’s biggest problem: a go-to closer for tight playoff matchups.
Adding LaVine to an already fast-paced Pacers team would turbocharge their offensive arsenal. Indiana’s frenetic style—built around Haliburton’s elite playmaking and Siakam’s versatility—could thrive even more with LaVine as a high-octane scoring option. Most importantly, he gives the Pacers the kind of superstar presence that past championship teams have relied on to make deep postseason runs.
The cost of chasing greatness
Trading for LaVine won’t come cheap. The Bulls, now clear sellers, are looking to offload LaVine’s massive contract—worth over $43 million annually through the 2026-27 season—but they’re also seeking promising assets in return. A package centered around Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith might be enough to pique Chicago’s interest.
Nembhard emerged as a postseason hero for Indiana last year, averaging 21 points, 7.8 assists, and 3.8 rebounds in the Eastern Conference Finals. His steady hand and scoring touch would be a valuable addition for a rebuilding Bulls squad. Nesmith, a talented forward with size, athleticism, and an improving offensive game, adds another appealing piece to the deal.
To make the salaries work, Indiana would likely need to include additional players or assets, but the long-term payoff could be worth it. LaVine’s scoring ability and veteran presence could push the Pacers into the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference.
What’s at stake for Indiana?
The Pacers have a choice: stay the course with their current core, likely hovering in second-round playoff territory, or make a splash to become true contenders. As currently constructed, they lack the offensive firepower to overcome heavyweights like the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks in a seven-game series.
Acquiring LaVine would signal Indiana’s intention to compete now, even if it means taking a financial gamble. Sometimes, the cost of greatness is steep, but as the saying goes: it costs to be the boss.
Zach LaVine might be the missing piece that transforms the Pacers from an underdog into a legitimate title contender. With the deadline looming, Indiana’s front office faces a decision that could define their franchise for years to come.
