Indiana approaches the 2026 NBA Draft without a single selection in either round. The Pacers’ first-round pick is currently owned by the Los Angeles Clippers, and their second-rounder sits with the Memphis Grizzlies. Only Indiana and Portland sit out of this week’s draft proceedings.

Even without a pick, the Pacers have filled their practice facility with dozens of prospects for workouts. Front-office members, scouts and coaches have taken advantage of those face-to-face meetings, a step the organization believes can be more valuable than a simple video review.

Photo: Tony East / Forbes

The franchise has a track record of being active in the early second round, specifically in the 31-38 range, throughout the 2020s. In 2024, Indiana and the San Antonio Spurs swapped second-round picks, a deal that brought forward the former Indiana forward Johnny Furphy. The two clubs traded again in 2025, when the Spurs sent the 38th pick to Indiana in exchange for a future second-round selection.

The Spurs present a logical next partner. As of this writing they control four 2026 picks , the 20th, 35th, 42nd and 44th overall , and they have several roster spots to fill this summer. While they are positioned as contenders, they still need to add proven veterans in free agency, leaving room to move a later second-rounder for a future asset that aligns with Indiana’s timeline.

Memphis, meanwhile, appears to be entering a rebuild and therefore values draft capital. The Grizzlies currently hold the No. 3, No. 16 and No. 32 picks in 2026. Their roster already includes 14 players under contract before the draft even begins, creating a potential crunch that could motivate a trade of one of those selections for future picks.

If Indiana decides to pursue a draft night acquisition, the most plausible route is to package future second-round picks , of which the Pacers have several , in exchange for an early second-round slot from either San Antonio or Memphis. The window to execute such a deal closes with the end of the draft, so the front office must be ready to act quickly. Securing a cost-controlled prospect in the early second round would give the Pacers additional depth and flexibility as they look to build on recent competitive success.