As the Indiana Pacers continue to shape their roster in pursuit of becoming a serious playoff contender, there’s a glaring need they must address: frontcourt depth, specifically at the center position. While Myles Turner remains a key piece of the team’s core, the Pacers could benefit from bolstering their big man rotation—ideally by adding a young, versatile, and affordable option. Enter Oso Ighodaro, the Phoenix Suns’ rookie big man and perhaps the most obvious buy-low trade target on the market.
Ighodaro, a 6’10” center out of Marquette, just wrapped up his rookie season with the Suns. On paper, his numbers may not turn many heads: 4.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game over 17.1 minutes in 60 appearances. However, those numbers only tell a fraction of the story. When you watch Ighodaro play, it’s evident that he brings a lot more to the court than what the box score suggests.
What makes Ighodaro such an intriguing prospect for Indiana is his basketball IQ and his ability to impact multiple aspects of the game. He isn’t a traditional back-to-the-basket big man, nor is he a flashy scorer, but he understands the nuances of the game. He moves well without the ball, sets intelligent screens, makes smart passes, and knows how to position himself defensively. His feel for the game is advanced for a rookie, and with proper development, he could turn into a reliable rotational player—or more.
The Pacers are a team that values smart, unselfish players who can adapt within a fluid offensive system. Head coach Rick Carlisle has consistently favored centers who can pass, switch on defense, and play within a team-oriented framework. Ighodaro checks all those boxes, and what makes him especially appealing is that he comes at a relatively low price.
Phoenix may be open to parting with Ighodaro due to their roster being top-heavy with veteran stars and little room for long-term development. The Suns are in win-now mode with Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal leading the charge, meaning minutes and opportunities for a raw but promising big like Ighodaro are limited. This puts the Pacers in a great position to swoop in and make a smart, low-risk trade.
Adding Ighodaro wouldn’t just be about this season—it’s an investment in the future. With Myles Turner entering his 30s soon and Isaiah Jackson still inconsistent, the Pacers could use a developmental project who brings something different to the table. Ighodaro’s mobility, passing, and defensive awareness make him a unique option compared to the more athletic but erratic Jackson or the stretch-oriented Turner.
In today’s NBA, finding value in unexpected places is what separates good front offices from great ones. For the Pacers, acquiring Oso Ighodaro represents an opportunity to buy low on a player who hasn’t scratched the surface of his potential. He may not be a headline-grabber yet, but with the right fit and coaching, he could become an essential part of Indiana’s future frontcourt rotation.
If the Pacers are serious about building sustainable success, they shouldn’t overlook what’s right in front of them. Oso Ighodaro is the kind of under-the-radar move that could quietly pay big dividends down the road.