NBA Rumors: Pacers 'On the Prowl' for Roster Upgrades Around Tyrese Haliburton

The Indiana Pacers are hunting for complementary players who fit alongside All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton during the 2024 offseason.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst confirmed that the Pacers are "on the prowl" for roster upgrades as they're "trying to get Tyrese some help" in a Wednesday appearance on the Pat McAfee Show.

Indiana has already reportedly locked up Haliburton's star teammate, signing Pascal Siakam to a four-year maximum contract worth $189.5 million on June 19.

It may be difficult for the Pacers to add major upgrades in free agency, as ESPN's Bobby Marks noted that the team is over the cap after Siakam's contract. However, Indiana still has access to the non-taxpayer mid-level exception of $12.9 million as well as the bi-annual exception of $4.7 million.

The Pacers will also need to make decisions on impending free agents such as forward Obi Toppin, who is on the verge of restricted free agency. However, general manager Chad Buchanan could also explore upgrades on the trade market.

Indiana's needs are clear after making a surprise trip to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2024. The Pacers owned the seventh-worst defensive rating during the 2023-24 season, while their average of 41.5 rebounds per game represented the third-lowest mark in the association (via NBA.com).

The team previously expressed interest in Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins prior to the Feb. 8 trade deadline, per Shams Charania of The Athletic. If the Pacers are looking for a defensive-minded forward, they could explore a potential Wiggins acquisition once again.

Still, it shouldn't be difficult to find players who thrive around Haliburton. The 24-year-old's 10.9 assists per game were the most among all NBA players, while his 36.4 percent three-point percentage helped space the floor for his teammates as he attempted 7.8 long-range attempts each night.

After a deep playoff run in 2024, the Pacers are keeping Haliburton at the center of their offseason plans.