In exchange, the Pacers sent a 2029 second-round draft pick originally owned by the Portland Trail Blazers and a 2031 second-round pick swap to Memphis. Under the pick swap terms, the Grizzlies will receive the second-best pick among those of the Heat, Pacers, and Grizzlies in 2031, while Indiana gets the lowest of the three. The Heat will retain the best pick.
This trade was driven primarily by necessity. With longtime starting center Myles Turner expected to depart in free agency to join the Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana found itself lacking size and experience in the paint. Tony Bradley is currently the only other center on the roster, and his role has been largely limited to spot minutes. With no clear answer at the five, the Pacers needed to act quickly to shore up the position especially as they aim to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference.
Jay Huff provides an immediate solution. Though not a star, Huff is coming off a promising season with Memphis. He initially joined the Grizzlies on a two-way contract but performed well enough to earn a standard four-year deal last October. During the regular season, he appeared in 64 games and logged meaningful minutes, showing growth as a rim protector and floor spacer. He even saw limited action in the playoffs, signaling that the Grizzlies trusted him.
Indiana inherits Huff’s team-friendly contract, which is a key factor in the trade. Huff is set to make just over $2.3 million in the upcoming season and $2.6 million in 2026–27. His deal also includes a team option in the final year, giving the Pacers financial flexibility. For a franchise that is expected to approach or even exceed the luxury tax threshold in the coming seasons, the ability to secure a potentially solid contributor at a low cost is highly valuable.
While Huff is not a household name, he represents a low-risk, potentially high-reward addition. He has flashed the ability to stretch the floor with his shooting, protect the rim with his 7-foot-1 frame, and contribute in a modern NBA center role. If he continues his development, he could carve out a consistent spot in the Pacers’ rotation or even contend for a starting role depending on the rest of the offseason moves.
Overall, the Pacers’ decision to trade for Huff reflects a mix of immediate need and long-term planning. By giving up minimal draft assets, Indiana adds a player who fits their system, eases their financial burden, and fills a major positional hole. As the offseason progresses, this move may be viewed as a smart and efficient step toward maintaining their playoff aspirations in the post-Turner era.
