Report: Top Pick in Second Round of NBA Draft ‘Being Auctioned Off’ by Indiana pacers..

 

 

BREAKING: Pacers “Auctioning Off” Their Top Second-Round Pick? What It Means

 

*June 26, 2025 — Indianapolis, IN*

 

An eyebrow-raising report has emerged from the Indiana Pacers headquarters: their **top pick of the second round—the No. 38 overall—appears to be up for grabs**, with whispers of an “auction” taking place among rival teams.

 

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### 🔍 What’s Actually Happening?

 

Here’s the confirmed timeline:

 

* **Pacers acquired the No. 38 pick** from the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for a future 2030 second-rounder and cash considerations ([fieldhousefiles.com][1], [si.com][2], [forbes.com][3]).

* The move was largely viewed as a **cost-saving strategy**, enabling them to add draft value at a cheaper scale than their original No. 23 first-round selection .

 

Now, according to insiders, Pacers management may be considering **flipping the pick again**—either in a quick trade or via a sort of silent “auction” where multiple teams make offers before the pick is officially used.

 

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### 💰 Why It Matters

 

1. **Cap flexibility**: Second-round picks come with much lower guaranteed salaries. The Pacers, already approaching the luxury tax line, are keen to contain spending .

2. **Tyrese Haliburton’s injury**: With their All-Star sidelined for much of the 2025–26 season due to a torn Achilles, Indiana needs cost-effective depth and mid-tier additions ([deadspin.com][4]).

3. **Maximizing value**: If several teams bid for the pick—offering future picks or player swaps—the Pacers could potentially net far more in return than originally paid.

 

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### 🧭 Where Things Stand

 

* **No official trade yet**: The pick still belongs to Indiana. No final deal has been announced.

* **Spurs gain draft capital**: San Antonio, meanwhile, continues its trend of trading picks for future flexibility ([fieldhousefiles.com][1], [si.com][2]).

* **Pacers hold two second-rounders**: They also retained No. 54, giving them options if they choose to keep the asset ([fieldhousefiles.com][1]).

 

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### 🌟 Potential Scenarios

 

* **Hold and draft**: Indiana could simply use the pick on a standout late-second-round prospect.

* **Trade for assets**: They could flip it for a future pick upgrade or roster addition.

* **Auction for best bid**: If multiple franchises express interest, the pick could become a hot commodity—letting Indiana “sell high” in the second round.

 

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### 🔮 What’s Next?

 

The real question now is how aggressively the Pacers will market the pick. Will they hold for draft night, or leverage it as a bargaining chip? Either decision reflects Indiana’s aggressive strategy—one that balances short-term depth needs with long-term asset building.

 

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The **NBA Draft continues tonight**, and all eyes are on the Pacers. Whether they **sit, swap, or sell**, this No. 38 pick could shape the franchise’s immediate future—and redefine second-round pick value across the league.

 

Stay tuned for updates as the auction unfolds.

 

* [expressnews.com](https://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/spurs-pull-first-trade-draft-night-20394447.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

* [nypost.com](https://nypost.com/2025/06/25/sports/2025-nba-draft-trade-tracker-the-deals-that-shook-up-first-round/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

* [reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/nba-roundup-grizzlies-trade-4-picks-cedric-coward-2025-06-26/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)