The NBA world is ever-evolving and waiting for no one. Even during the NBA Finals, before the offseason has truly gotten underway, teams are starting to make deals. The Desmond Bane trade was a shocking blockbuster, but the next trade might have been even more startling for one reason.
While participating in the Finals, where they’re facing improbable odds, the Indiana Pacers started planning their summer activities. Courtesy of chief NBA insider Shams Charania, we learned that Indiana was making a pick swap with the New Orleans Pelicans. Understandably, fans were stunned at the timing of the move.
Fans Baffled by Indiana Pacers Making Trades During NBA Finals
After brutally losing Game 5, fans weren’t expecting any news out of the Indiana front apart from their focus for a season-deciding Game 6 at home. However, the notification from Charania was an unbelievable surprise, to say the least.
Revealing the details of the trade, he wrote, “NBA draft deal: The Indiana Pacers are trading their No. 23 pick and the rights to Mojave King to the New Orleans Pelicans for Indiana’s own 2026 first-round pick back, which the Pelicans had previously acquired, sources tell ESPN.”
NBA draft deal: The Indiana Pacers are trading their No. 23 pick and the rights to Mojave King to the New Orleans Pelicans for Indiana’s own 2026 first-round pick back which the Pelicans had previously acquired, sources tell ESPN.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 17, 2025
Following up, he clarified that the Pelicans now have two first-round picks, Nos. 7 and 23, in this year’s draft. However, for most fans, the details were secondary to the team participating in the deal.
Immediately, fans went ballistic, with one typing, “During the Finals is crazy.” With the season’s outcome still in the balance, the move certainly did feel like a bit of an oversight from the Pacers.
During the Finals is crazy
— 𝙃𝙀𝘼𝙏 𝙉𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 (@HeatvsHaters) June 17, 2025
For some, it felt like a sign that the Pacers were waving the proverbial white flag. “Pacers trading during the Finals yeah this series is over,” one user proclaimed.
Pacers trading during the Finals yeah this series is over🕊️
— Sleeper (@SleeperHQ) June 17, 2025
However, others weren’t fully convinced, trying to find a justification for the Pacers’ move.
“So they traded a 23rd pick for next years pick? Do they plan on blowing it up and s**king next year? Or does having the 2026 first rounder help with trades over this years pick?” asked one fan. And they weren’t the only one who found the timing and details odd.
“Seems like a pretty odd deal no? Considering the Pacers pick next year will likely be in a similar spot in the draft?” Another fan wondered aloud. The answers, of course, reside with the Pacers front office, led by general manager Chad Buchanan.
Seems like a pretty odd deal no? Considering the Pacers pick next year will likely be in a similar spot in the draft?
— Luke Sawhook 🪚🪝 (@lukesawhook) June 17, 2025
Others were ready to make official predictions based on the Pacers’ move: “Are the Pacers predicting to be worse in 2026???” one fan wondered, while another added, “So the Pacers have no intention of being better than 23 next season is what your saying.”
Are the Pacers predicting to be worse in 2026???
— Underdog (@Underdog) June 17, 2025
It remains to be seen what this year has in store for the Pacers, let alone the 2025-26 season. But with key rotational players like Myles Turner, Thomas Bryant, and even Isaiah Jackson reaching the end of their contracts, Buchanan has a few key decisions to make.
The roster could look vastly different in a month. So, it might have been a smarter choice for the Pacers to take the unknown of 2026, rather than the underwhelming reality of this year’s draft.
