Pacers free agency primer 2023: Max extension, cap space, needs, free agents, targets, depth chart

It starts with Tyrese Haliburton, then moves to consolidating the roster and maximizing their use of cap space ahead of the 2023-24 season.

Tyrese Haliburton became the first player in NBA history to average 20 points and 10 assists while shooting 40% from range last season.

As NBA free agency kicks off at 6:01 p.m. ET Friday, the Pacers have 14 of 15 roster spots currently filled, about $32 million in salary cap space and still a need for help on the wing.

The NBA isn’t messing around this offseason, moving from the NBA Finals to the draft and now free agency in the span of two weeks. And by Saturday, there will be practices held once again — this time for summer league.

The Pacers are coming off a 35-win season, a 10-win improvement from the previous season and better than all expectations. With great responsibility as the face of the team, point guard Tyrese Haliburton delivered an All-Star season. So it’s only fitting for the Pacers’ free agency, the third since the return of Rick Carlisle as head coach, to begin with the 23-year-old from Oshkosh, Wisc.