The Indiana Pacers suffered two devastating losses in Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Not only did the Pacers lose Game 7 and come up one win short of their first NBA championship, they also saw star point guard Tyrese Haliburton go down with a torn Achilles. Due to the Achilles injury, Haliburton is expected to miss all of next season.
In just one quick moment, Indiana went from being a potential champion this year and a top-tier contender next season to a team many could see missing the playoffs.
Head coach Rick Carlisle of the Indiana Pacers looks on during the second quarter against the New York Knicks in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse… Head coach Rick Carlisle of the Indiana Pacers looks on during the second quarter against the New York Knicks in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 31, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Kevin Pritchard and the Pacers are going to have to get creative to replace Haliburton. They certainly can’t replace everything he brings to the court, but they need to figure out a way to bring in a playmaker who can create plays for his teammates.
Read more: NBA Receives Strong Warning Following Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles Injury
With that being said, one potential option has been brought up as a possible free agency target for Indiana.
Daniel Chavkin of The Sporting News has named Chris Paul as a potential option for the Pacers. Paul is set to be a free agent after playing the 2024-25 NBA season with the San Antonio Spurs.
“Chris Paul’s career is coming to a close, but the future Hall of Famer is still looking for his first NBA championship. If the Pacers are looking for a true one-year replacement, then Paul could come in fill a void both on and off the court,” Chavkin wrote.
“Last year, Paul played in all 82 games for the Spurs, but averaged a career-low 8.8 points per game. Since Paul just turned 40 last month, he is probably looking for a specific situation for him to extend his career.”
Paul could be intrigued by Indiana. The Pacers were in the NBA Finals this season and he could step in as a starter in a lineup that fits well around a pass-first point guard.
Read more: Caitlin Clark Had No Words Following Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton Injury
During the 2024-25 season with the Spurs, Paul played in all 82 games. He averaged 8.8 points, 7.4 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game, while shooting 42.7 percent from the floor and 37.7 percent from three-point range.
More than likely, Paul will not be the guy Indiana brings in. He could make sense as a target, but playing in Indiana may not be where he wants to spend the next chapter of his career.
Expect to hear a lot of rumors surround the Pacers this offseason. Paul may be connected to the team again at some point in the coming days and weeks.
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