Tyrese Haliburton’s absence is already casting a long shadow over the Pacers’ 2025–26 season. The All-Star guard suffered a torn Achilles in Game 7 against OKC, and suddenly, Indiana’s plans for contention are in instability. With Haliburton sidelined for the foreseeable future, questions about minutes and trade strategy are no longer theoretical, but urgent. And while the spotlight shines on Indianapolis, a secondary storyline is quietly forming across the league. Houston’s Fred VanVleet is also facing a long-term injury, and the ripple effects could intersect with the Pacers in unexpected ways.

League insiders suggest Houston’s VanVleet situation could indirectly pressure Indiana. With the Rockets exploring short-term replacements for their injured guard, names like TJ McConnell could come into play in trade discussions. Monte Morris’ recent one-year signing with the Pacers adds depth but doesn’t replicate the scoring and playmaking Haliburton provides. And just like that, even fringe trades take on outsized significance.

For Houston, VanVleet’s ACL injury opens up a window to hunt for a guard capable of bridging the gap alongside Kevin Durant. Bill Simmons recently highlighted names that could be of interest, including Pritchard and TJ McConnell. “Part of maybe making yourself a little worse for this year would be turning Pritchard, a really good, you know, bench guy, borderline decent starter, into a project like Reed Shepard,” Simmons said. It’s about balancing potential versus immediate need.

Lowe added, “For Houston, you need more than you need some, you need another asset,” underscoring the league-wide scramble triggered by VanVleet’s ACL. Indiana, like Boston in a similar context, is facing a conundrum. They possess valuable depth like Jay Huff, Isaiah Jackson, and the rest, but the loss of Haliburton means that even competent rotation players may have to stretch into unfamiliar roles. Simmons noted, “I actually think Indiana is a more likely ‘f-ck it, let’s s-ck this year’ candidate,” while Lowe highlighted the depth that can at least mitigate some losses. Yet, there’s no hiding from the reality.

The key piece is gone, and the Pacers’ championship hopes are on hold. TJ McConnell, now extended through at least 2029, becomes a pivotal figure. While he doesn’t carry a massive salary, his value as a capable veteran guard makes him an intriguing trade chip. Simmons speculated, “If you can turn TJ McConnell into a Reed Shepard, you got to at least think about it because you’re going nowhere this year anyway, right?” Lowe echoed this, pointing out that even solid role players can be leveraged for more significant assets.

How Haliburton’s absence could shift Pacers’ trade strategy

The Pacers’ front office must weigh factors like Haliburton’s rehab timeline, roster depth, and long-term planning. Trading McConnell or Pritchard could provide a piece that the Rockets, or another team, would value while also giving Indiana a chance to recalibrate for the future. Simmons emphasized the potential of a two-for-one swap, a move designed to maximize asset conversion while minimizing immediate disruption.

Haliburton’s unique skill set compounds the difficulty. At just 25, he’s an elite floor general with the ability to orchestrate offense, averaging 18.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 9.2 assists on 47.3% shooting. Losing him alters not only game outcomes but also the development curve of younger players and the value of tradeable assets like McConnell. Indiana’s management faces a high-stakes balancing act of protecting the core while also not letting underused pieces stagnate. And even with Haliburton out, the Pacers have reason to be cautiously optimistic.

Depth remains a hidden asset, and with smart rotations, role players like Huff and Jackson can absorb minutes effectively. Lowe quipped on the commentary, noting the creativity of coach Rick Carlisle in a down year scenario: “A maniac coach who’s going to just scheme his way to 35 wins on a down year.” It’s a reminder that basketball is as much about critical thinking as it is about athleticism.

Projected win totals might drop, but every roster tweak sends signals across the league. Teams like Houston, watching VanVleet’s absence, are ready to pounce, while Indiana weighs long-term implications against immediate gains. Haliburton’s injury has inadvertently created a market scenario that could redefine guard valuations and trade strategies for multiple franchises.

For now, the Pacers are caught in a game they didn’t anticipate while balancing Haliburton’s rehab, McConnell’s trade value, and the need to maintain competitiveness. Each decision carries ramifications for not just the season ahead but also the franchise’s trajectory for years to come. The domino effect of VanVleet’s injury is clear that Haliburton’s Pacers are paying the price, and how they respond could very well reshape the NBA landscape this year.