The Indiana Pacers have three first-round picks in the 2023 NBA Draft, including the No. 7 overall selection. While those picks could be used to fill out the roster with more youth for the future, Indiana is eyeing something else before draft night.
Indiana has been named in a variety of NBA rumors this offseason, ranging from an interest in moving up from the seventh pick to trading both the 26th and 29th overall picks. However, president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard is eyeing a bigger move.
Related: Indiana Pacers draft preview
NBA insider Brian Windhorst reported that the Pacers have been shopping the No. 7 overall pick, specifically looking for high-end wing players.
“Indiana has been talking to people about the No. 7 pick. I’ve been told they’ve been trying to get wing players. They’ve been trying to move out of No. 7 to get a high-level wing player. I think they might be able to, if they’re motivated enough.”
Brian Windhorst on Indiana Pacers trade interests
The player Indiana is being most heavily connected to is Toronto Raptors forward OG Anunoby. Entering his age-26 season, the 6-foot-7 wing earned NBA All-Defensive Second Tea honors last season. He also played his college ball at Indiana.
Anunoby, one of the best defensive-minded wings in the NBA, has also received significant interest from the Sacramento Kings. However, the Kings’ trade offer would have to include young players and future first-round picks whereas the Pacers can offer the No. 7 pick in Thursday’s draft.
Anunoby has some control over his future. Owed an $18.64 million salary next season, the Indiana alum also holds a $19.928 million player option for the 2024-’25 season. He could use that as a form of leverage, only accepting the player option if he goes to a team of his choice.
Related: NBA trade rumors
With three first-round picks and multiple contracts that can be offloaded, the Pacers could be one of the most active teams during the 2023 NBA Draft.