Pacers Plot Walker Kessler Pivot After Turner Exit

Merlin sees the Pacers treating 2025 26 as a reset. With Tyrese Haliburton sidelined by an Achilles injury and a string of other setbacks, Indiana is 6 18 and hunting for long term change. ESPN’s Shams Charania says the club is "in active trade talks around the league to find a center of the future after losing Myles Turner in free agency," and local reports note they "have inquired about Walker Kessler for a long time." Merlin knows young cores weather storms. The roster is still built around a 25 year old Haliburton and young pieces, so the front office can afford patience and aggression at the same time. A deal for a high ceiling center would signal a quick rebuild toward contention; otherwise a top draft pick plus health could restore them next season.