Pacers Offseason

After losing the No. 5 pick to the Clippers in the draft lottery, the Pacers face a critical offseason with limited resources but newfound willingness to spend.

The Luxury Tax

GM Chad Buchanan publicly addressed the franchise's direction during an appearance at the NBA Draft Combine with JMV on 107.5 The Fan.

His message was clear: the Pacers are willing to go into the luxury tax for the first time in 21 years if it means winning a championship.

"Our ownership wants to compete for a championship. That's something we have discussions about all the time," Buchanan said. "And if it's the right player and the right contract, I think Herb and Steve Simon, the family wants to win a championship for all of our fans and this community. We're going to be aggressive, but it's got to be the right decision for the long-term health of the team."

While it's the obvious decision, as we all know, it's also quite significant. The last time Indiana paid the luxury tax was in 2005—over two decades ago. For a franchise historically conservative with spending, means a genuine shift in philosophy.

The Financial Situation and Implications

The Pacers are currently just below the luxury tax threshold for 2026-27, according to multiple reports. They have approximately $7-8 million of tax space before hitting the first apron, and some commentators believe will stay below the first apron no matter what happens in the offseason.

Buchanan emphasized that any spending will be strategic—focused on shorter-term contracts that won't damage the organization long-term. The front office isn't interested in bloating the payroll with bad contracts just to show they're "trying."

The approach sounds like targeted aggression: spend where it helps win now, but maintain flexibility for the future.

Indiana as a Destination

One interesting wrinkle: Buchanan believes Indiana is becoming a destination for players who want to compete for championships.

"The style of basketball we play, playing for Coach Carlisle, playing in Indiana, they've seen this team over the previous two years and the run they made," Buchanan said. "There's a lot of interest from players and free agents to be a Pacer."

This echoes what the national media has noted: while there's been fair criticism of the Zubac trade, players and agents are seeing a franchise willing to make aggressive moves to compete for a title. That perception matters in free agency.

The Bench Scoring Priority

The need hasn't changed: Indiana desperately needs bench scoring, particularly from the wing position. With Bennedict Mathurin gone, there's a void in secondary offense.

"One thing this season revealed for us is the need for some scoring off our bench, probably from the wing position," Buchanan said before the lottery.

The question is whether the Pacers use the Taxpayer MLE ($6.06 million) or shed salary to access the Non-Taxpayer MLE (up to $14.1 million over multiple years, with hard-capping restrictions). It seems like using the Taxpayer MLE and adding salary through trades is the most straightforward approach at this point.

The Two-Year Window Mentality

Buchanan and Pritchard continue operating with a clear two-year championship window. Haliburton is entering his prime. Siakam is 32. The window is now, not later.

The front office sacrificed future assets (No. 5 pick, 2029 unprotected first) to compete immediately by trading for Zubac. Now they're signaling they're willing to pay the luxury tax to maximize that window.

This is win-now mode. They're pushing chips to the middle of the table. All subsequent moves will reflect that.

NBA Conference Finals

WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS: (2) Spurs 1, (1) Thunder 0

Game 1: Spurs 122, Thunder 115 (2OT)

Monday night's Western Conference Finals opener delivered one of the greatest playoff games in recent memory. Victor Wembanyama put on an otherworldly performance—41 points, 24 rebounds, 3 assists—to lead the Spurs past the previously undefeated Thunder in double overtime.

It was the Thunder's first loss of the playoffs after starting 8-0. And it was Wembanyama's coronation as a legitimate superstar capable of carrying a team on the biggest stage.

He was sensational. He scored in every conceivable way—mid-range jumpers, post moves, transition dunks, and clutch free throws. He dominated the glass on both ends. And in the two overtime periods, he delivered when it mattered most.

Dylan Harper also contributed in crucial moments, hitting timely threes and playing tough defense on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander down the stretch.

Game 2: Wednesday, May 20, 8:30 PM ET (NBC/Peacock)

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS: (3) Knicks 1, (4) Cavaliers 0

Game 1: Knicks 115, Cavaliers 104 (OT)

The New York Knicks completed the largest playoff comeback in franchise history, erasing a 22-point fourth-quarter deficit to stun the Cleveland Cavaliers 115-104 in overtime.

According to ESPN Analytics, the Knicks had a 0.1% win probability when they fell behind 93-71 with 7:52 remaining in the fourth quarter. What followed was one of the most improbable rallies in Conference Finals history.

Jalen Brunson was magnificent. He finished with 38 points (17 in the fourth quarter and overtime), 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals. He was ruthless attacking James Harden in isolation, and the Cavaliers had no answer.

The Knicks hunted Harden on both ends of the floor, forcing the ball to him on offense and attacking him relentlessly. At 36 years old, Harden's limitations showed in crunch time.

Game 2: Thursday, May 21, 8:00 PM ET (ESPN)