NBA Trade Rumors: Pacers Explored Tobias Harris, O.G. Anunoby, Harrison Barnes Deals

The Indiana Pacers would like to address the forward position.

As Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, reported, "For the last year and change, the Pacers have earnestly explored any starting-level, modern power forwards across the NBA, from Tobias Harris to Harrison Barnes to Pascal Siakam's teammate, O.G. Anunoby, sources said."

And Michael Grange of Sportsnet reported earlier in the week that "Indiana has reached out" regarding a potential trade for Siakam.

All would be upgrades for the team at forward, to varying degrees.

Harris, 30, was relegated to the fourth option on offense for the Philadelphia 76ers this past season behind Joel Embiid, James Harden and Tyrese Maxey but still put up 14.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. He prioritized improving as a spot-up shooter and hit 38.9 percent of his shots from three, and turned himself into a solid defender on the wing, often tasked with handling an opponent's top perimeter option.

Barnes, 31, remains a solid player, averaging 15 points and 4.5 rebounds per game last season for the Sacramento Kings while shooting 37.4 percent from three. He isn't the flashiest player, but he's a nice role player.

Anunoby, 25, is the prototypical 3-and-D wing the modern NBA covets, averaging 16.8 points, five rebounds, two assists and 1.9 steals per game last season while shooting 38.7 percent from beyond the arc. Of all the players mentioned, he would best fit the young core of Tyrese Haliburton (23), Jalen Smith (23), Bennedict Mathurin (21) and Jarace Walker (19).

Finally, Siakam would provide the most star power and scoring punch of the aforementioned names after putting up 24.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game last season, shooting 32.4 percent from deep.

But while Barnes and Harris would be role players utilized to support Indiana's younger stars and Anunoby fits the younger timeline, Siakam is 29 and a two-time All-Star. Landing him would not only be expensive, but his prime years don't match up with those of the Pacers' younger options. He feels like the least realistic target of the bunch.