In a bold and calculated move to address a growing need in their frontcourt, the Indiana Pacers have acquired 7’1″ center Jay Huff from the Memphis Grizzlies. The trade, finalized earlier today, sends a 2029 second-round pick and a 2031 pick swap to Memphis in exchange for the versatile big man.
The deal comes amid a transitional summer for the Pacers, who are retooling their roster following the high-profile departure of franchise cornerstone Myles Turner to the Milwaukee Bucks in free agency. With All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton also set to miss the upcoming season due to injury, Indiana finds itself in urgent need of stabilizing forces on both ends of the court.
Huff, 26, may not carry Turner’s pedigree, but he brings a compelling skill set tailor-made for the modern NBA. A true stretch five, Huff shot 40.5% from three-point range last season with the Grizzlies’ G League affiliate and appeared in 18 NBA games, showing flashes of potential as a floor-spacing rim protector.
A Calculated Gamble
This trade signals Indiana’s strategic pivot toward player development and system continuity, rather than swinging for expensive veterans or aging stars. Huff is still on a team-friendly contract and has shown promise as a shot blocker and pick-and-pop option. In limited NBA minutes, he has averaged 2.4 blocks per 36 minutes—underscoring his defensive instincts.
“Jay’s combination of size, shooting, and defensive timing offers exactly what we’re looking for in our frontcourt,” said Pacers General Manager Chad Buchanan in a team statement. “He fits our system and gives our young core a reliable interior presence.”
Filling the Void Left by Turner
Myles Turner’s departure created a gaping hole on both ends of the court. The two-time NBA blocks leader was a key defensive anchor and an underrated offensive weapon who could stretch defenses with his three-point shooting.
While Huff won’t replicate Turner’s impact immediately, his shooting touch and defensive upside offer a potential long-term solution. His presence also opens up the floor for slashing wings like Bennedict Mathurin and Andrew Nembhard to attack the rim, while maintaining the spacing that Haliburton thrived in prior to injury.
Next Steps for Indiana
The acquisition of Huff likely means the Pacers are committing to a developmental year, with an emphasis on giving young players expanded roles. Alongside Huff, second-year forward Jarace Walker and recent draft pick Taelon Peter will be expected to shoulder more responsibility.
Though Indiana may take a step back in the standings, the front office seems committed to building sustainable success rather than chasing short-term results.
Huff’s Potential Role
Huff is expected to compete for the starting center position during training camp, with veterans Isaiah Jackson and Jalen Smith also in the mix. However, given Huff’s unique skill set and the team’s investment, he could quickly rise in the rotation if he adapts well to Rick Carlisle’s system.
NBA analysts have compared Huff’s potential ceiling to that of Brook Lopez—a once-traditional big man who reinvented himself as an elite shot-blocking stretch five in Milwaukee. While it’s too early to say whether Huff can reach that level, the tools are there for Indiana to mold.
Final Thoughts
The Jay Huff acquisition may not grab national headlines, but for a team in flux like the Pacers, it’s a savvy, forward-thinking move. If he can capitalize on the opportunity and deliver consistent performances, Huff could become one of the season’s most underrated pickups—and a cornerstone of Indiana’s next playoff run.
Only time will tell whether Huff becomes a stopgap or a long-term solution. But for now, the Pacers are betting on upside—and in today’s NBA, that’s often where the smart money lies.
