Pacers Eye Daniel Gafford as Tyrese Haliburton Partner

Merlin sees the Indiana Pacers are "believed to hold interest" in Dallas center Daniel Gafford as a pick and roll partner for Tyrese Haliburton. Haliburton will miss the 2025 26 season with a torn Achilles, but Indiana lost Myles Turner and ranks near the bottom in center scoring and field goal percentage. Gafford is under contract through 2028 29, is 27 years old, and is shooting 61 percent while averaging 8.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocks this season. Merlin senses the fit. Gafford's athletic finishing and paint protection would give Indiana a clear interior upgrade and a perfect complement to Haliburton's spacing when he returns. Dallas is rebuilding around rookie Cooper Flagg, so Gafford is a logical trade candidate. Whether Indiana buys at the Feb. 5 deadline will come down to price and cap flexibility.