Pacers re-enter draft after trading out of first round, acquire pick No. 38
After trading away their first-round pick last week, the Pacers moved back into the draft on Wednesday — acquiring the 38th overall pick from San Antonio, while still holding No. 54.
The Indiana Pacers hosted a draft party at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday, but they were never on the clock.
The team traded its first-round selection to the New Orleans Pelicans last week in exchange for its own 2026 first-round pick. That pick became more valuable after Tyrese Haliburton suffered a torn right Achilles tendon, an injury expected to sideline him for the entire 2025–26 season.
However, before the start of night one, the Pacers completed a trade with the San Antonio Spurs for the 38th pick in exchange for a future second-round pick and cash considerations, per reports.
The agreement has not yet been made official by the teams.
By essentially moving back 15 spots — from No. 23 to No. 38 — the Pacers gave themselves a shot at a fringe first-round talent at a second-round cost.
All first-round picks receive guaranteed two-year contracts. The 23rd pick would have been slotted at $3.2 million, while No. 38 comes in at just over $1 million.
Given their current salary cap situation, on the verge of being a luxury tax team, every dollar counts.
Round 1 completed at 11:45 p.m. ET.
The Pacers still own their original second-round pick: No. 54.
Team president Kevin Pritchard spent a few years working for the Spurs and executive R.C. Buford, and head coach Rick Carlisle has a long-standing relationship with Gregg Popovich — factors that surely helped facilitate this deal.
The Pacers have a history of agreeing to trades shortly before the start of the draft.
Night two begins at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday (ESPN), once again from Barclays Center.
Also Of Note…
I found this line from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver notable as he got the draft underway from Brooklyn.
"With seven different champions over the past seven years, welcome to a new era of NBA basketball — where every team has a shot,” he said.
That’s a statement from someone proud of the league’s parity and the fading dominance of dynasties. It’s also why the debate over whether the Thunder are starting a dynasty is silly and premature.
Wasn’t the same thing being said about the Boston Celtics one year ago?
And finally, how about this photo — from April 2024 at the Chipotle Nationals at Brownsburg High School. Quite the team, headlined by No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg (No. 32).
