The Indiana Pacers just got an unexpected assist in their quest for a top draft pick - and it came from a blockbuster trade involving Anthony Davis.
According to reports, the Dallas Mavericks have sent Davis, along with Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell, and Dante Exum, to the Washington Wizards. In return, the Mavs are getting Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, two first-round picks, and three second-rounders.
That’s a lot of moving parts, but let’s focus on what this means for the Pacers - because it could be huge.
The Pacers Are in Prime Draft Position - But It’s a Tight Race
Heading into the All-Star break, Indiana sits at 13-38. That’s the worst record in the Eastern Conference and third-worst in the league overall.
But the margin for error is razor-thin. The Wizards and Brooklyn Nets are both just one game ahead, and the Utah Jazz are only three games up.
In other words, the difference between picking first and picking sixth could come down to a bad week - or a surprise win streak.
Now, here’s where the Davis trade matters. Washington, currently 13-36, just added a superstar - assuming Davis returns from his hand injury this season.
If he’s back on the floor soon and even remotely close to his usual self, the Wizards could start stacking some wins. That’s not great news for teams trying to tank - but it’s music to the ears of Pacers fans hoping for a top-three lottery slot.
Indiana’s Season Has Been Rougher Than Expected
Let’s be real: the Pacers weren’t supposed to be good this year. After moving on from Myles Turner and dealing with Tyrese Haliburton’s injury, a step back was expected.
But this? Few saw a full-on freefall coming.
Injuries have been a recurring theme. Beyond Haliburton, Indiana’s been without key contributors like Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Obi Toppin, Bennedict Mathurin, and T.J.
McConnell for extended stretches. That’s a lot of rotation pieces missing time, and it’s shown in the standings.
Still, there’s a silver lining here - and it’s a big one.
The 2026 Draft Class Could Be a Franchise-Changer
If there was ever a year to hit rock bottom, this is it. The 2026 NBA Draft is shaping up to be one of the most talent-rich classes in recent memory. We’re talking about potential franchise cornerstones like Darryn Peterson, Cam Boozer, AJ Dybantsa, and Caleb Wilson - all players with the kind of upside that can redefine a team’s trajectory.
For Indiana, landing one of those names could be the turning point in their rebuild. And thanks to this latest trade, that path just got a little clearer.
The Bottom Line
The Davis-to-Washington deal might not seem like it has much to do with Indiana at first glance. But in the chessboard of the NBA, every move has ripple effects. If Davis helps the Wizards win just a few more games, the Pacers' odds of landing the No. 1 pick improve significantly.
That’s the kind of quiet win that could pay off big - not this season, but for seasons to come.