## 🏀 BREAKING: **Deandre Ayton** is **considering signing** with the **Indiana Pacers** — per insider reporting.

 

 

* With **Myles Turner** now signed to Milwaukee, Indiana faces a sudden vacancy at center

* The Pacers hold the **full non-taxpayer mid-level exception (\~\$14 million)**, perfect for a veteran center acquisition .

 

* The Athletic’s **David Aldridge** reports that Ayton, now a free agent after a Portland buyout, **“would consider signing with the Pacers”**

* Indiana previously extended Ayton a historic **4‑year, \$133 million restricted offer sheet in 2022**, which Phoenix matched—highlighting mutual interest and familiarity

 

* **Interior defense and rebounding** was a glaring weakness since Turner left.

* Ayton, standing at 7-foot and punching **14 ppg, 10 rpg**, fits the bill

* His style—a strong rim runner with aerial athleticism—complements Indiana’s floor orientation, especially around Haliburton, Siakam, and Nembhard

 

* **Character concerns**: Reports surfaced of tardiness, missed practices, rehab issues, and locker-room friction during his Blazers tenure

* Pacers’ emphasis on locker-room cohesion could make them cautious given Ayton’s recent reputation

 

* Indiana can offer a **mid-level deal (\~\$14 million/year)** without impacting their tax profile

* Ayton’s buyout dynamics mean he could sign for less than his former max, making financials viable.

 

1. **Initial talks**: Pacers likely reach out to Ayton’s camp post buyout.

2. **Medical and fit evaluation**: Indiana’s front office vets physicals, locker-room fit, and usage.

3. **Offer structuring**: Expect a 2–3 year deal with team options to hedge risk.

4. **Decision time**: Ayton chooses between Indiana and potentially deeper-pocketed or market-heavy options (e.g., Lakers, Warriors) .

 

* Indiana still holds **Isaiah Jackson** on a \$21 million deal for the next three years

* **James Wiseman** and **Enrique Freeman** round out a youthful frontcourt developing behind the scenes

* Adding Ayton represents a swing for a proven presence over continued development—aiming to preserve the Finals window despite Haliburton’s Achilles injury

 

| Aspect | Upside | Risk |

 

| **Defense & Rebound** | +10 RPG, rim protection | Inconsistency, maybe less effort in big moments |

| **Pick‑and‑Roll Threat** | Adds athletic roll man behind Haliburton & Siakam | Doesn’t stretch the floor—could limit spacing |

| **Contract Control** | Relatively affordable mid‑level deal | May still surpass mid‑level, limiting flexibility |

| **Culture Fit** | Familiar face with prior interest | Character red flags could hurt team cohesion |

 

 

* Expect public confirmation or contract signing in early July—**before training camp**, as Indiana still wants clarity at the 5 spot.

* If Ayton opts to **sign elsewhere**, the Pacers could pivot to relying on Jackson/Wiseman and explore **trade or alternative mid‑level signings**.

 

 

Deandre Ayton strongly fits Indiana’s need in size and skill, and both parties are **actively exploring a deal**. The move could salvage their post-Turner frontcourt and keep last season’s Finals momentum alive. But lingering concerns about attitude and whether he accepts a mid-level deal mean nothing is finalized yet.

We’re watching this **very closely**—the next deal in center free agency could decide whether the Pacers remain contenders or begin reshaping their future.

 

Let me know if you want a **detailed contract projection**, **comparative analytics**, or insights on **plan B options** like Wiseman or a trade.