The Indiana Pacers entered this offseason with a quiet confidence, but that calm exterior might soon give way to a significant shake-up. One of the team’s most pivotal free agents is reportedly on the verge of inking a deal with a team that wasn’t even considered a primary suitor a few weeks ago. According to league sources, the deal is not only close—it’s described as “imminent.” And for a Pacers squad that seemed poised to bring back most of its core from last season’s breakout campaign, the looming departure could send ripple effects through the Eastern Conference playoff picture and beyond.
At the heart of this story is Obi Toppin, the high-flying forward who was acquired from the New York Knicks in the summer of 2023. Toppin had something of a resurgence in Indiana, thriving in the team’s up-tempo offense led by Tyrese Haliburton. After several years of stagnation in New York where he struggled to carve out a consistent role behind Julius Randle, Toppin blossomed under head coach Rick Carlisle’s fast-paced system. The Pacers allowed him to stretch the floor, run in transition, and—most importantly—play through mistakes. That development time proved crucial as Toppin averaged 10.3 points and 3.9 rebounds per game on career-best shooting numbers in both overall field goal percentage and three-point accuracy.
Yet, for all the growth he showed, Indiana has been in a financial crunch. With Haliburton’s max extension kicking in and the franchise prioritizing long-term flexibility, it was never a guarantee that Toppin would return. The team still has frontcourt depth in the form of Pascal Siakam—who they re-signed to a massive deal this summer—as well as young forwards like Jarace Walker waiting in the wings. As the Pacers continued to scout the market and weigh their priorities, other teams saw an opportunity. And one of those teams has reportedly swooped in.
Multiple sources confirm that the Orlando Magic have emerged as the frontrunner to land Toppin in free agency. The Magic had been loosely linked to a number of power forwards this summer but weren’t publicly identified as a serious threat for Toppin’s services. That changed in recent days after negotiations with other forward targets fizzled out and internal evaluations pointed to the need for more frontcourt versatility. While Orlando already features a budding star duo in Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, team executives are said to view Toppin as a “plug-and-play weapon” who can come off the bench or start depending on matchups. His speed, explosiveness, and evolving shooting make him an intriguing fit alongside a young, defensively elite core.
For Toppin, the potential move represents a continuation of what he began in Indiana: a second career chapter marked by freedom and opportunity. After years of riding the bench in New York, he became a dynamic transition threat and reliable rotational piece in Indiana. Now, Orlando is offering something just as valuable—role clarity and organizational alignment. The Magic reportedly made it clear in discussions that they view Toppin as an important part of their plan to push for home-court advantage in the playoffs. In a crowded Eastern Conference field, that assurance of minutes and involvement could be the deciding factor.
The contract details are still being finalized, but league insiders suggest the deal could fall in the range of three years, \$36 million—possibly with incentives that could push it closer to \$40 million. That number is slightly above the mid-level exception, which suggests Orlando is using cap space to complete the signing rather than a sign-and-trade. From Indiana’s perspective, letting Toppin walk without compensation might sting, but it’s a calculated risk. The Pacers are reportedly focused on internal development, banking on Walker to take a sophomore leap and Isaiah Jackson to continue growing as a rim runner and defensive anchor.
It’s worth noting that this move also reflects a broader shift in Indiana’s team-building philosophy. By prioritizing multi-dimensional wings and spacing bigs, the Pacers have committed to a vision that doesn’t necessarily require a traditional power forward like Toppin. With Siakam firmly entrenched as the starter and the team intrigued by small-ball lineups featuring Aaron Nesmith at the four, Toppin’s pathway to consistent minutes may have diminished. While fans grew attached to his highlight-reel dunks and infectious energy, the front office appears to have made peace with the idea of moving on.
Orlando, meanwhile, continues to be one of the most intriguing young teams in the NBA. After a surprising playoff run last season that saw them push the second-seeded Knicks to six games, the Magic are clearly looking to fortify their depth and offensive consistency. One of the knocks on the team during the postseason was their inability to score in stretches when Banchero and Wagner were off the floor. Toppin, with his ability to run the floor and knock down open threes, offers a potential solution. He won’t need the ball to be effective, which fits the Magic’s motion-heavy, egalitarian system.
There’s also the matter of experience. Though Toppin isn’t a seasoned playoff veteran, his time with the Pacers included a memorable Eastern Conference Finals run this past season. That experience, even in a supporting role, could prove valuable in a locker room that skews young. And for head coach Jamahl Mosley, who has steadily guided the Magic out of the lottery doldrums, adding a player like Toppin signals that the team is not content with moral victories. They want results—and soon.
From a stylistic standpoint, Toppin’s fit in Orlando may unlock even more of his skill set. The Magic often play with two ball handlers on the floor—whether it’s Markelle Fultz, Jalen Suggs, or Anthony Black—creating opportunities for rim-running forwards to feast in transition. Toppin thrived in those scenarios with Haliburton and should have similar success with Orlando’s cadre of athletic guards. Additionally, the team’s strong defense—anchored by Wendell Carter Jr. and Jonathan Isaac—means that Toppin can take more risks on offense without jeopardizing overall team balance.
One interesting wrinkle in this deal is what it says about the shifting hierarchy of Eastern Conference contenders. While Indiana has emerged as a top-four team, they are also in the midst of a delicate balancing act: competing while continuing to develop their young core. Orlando, on the other hand, seems to be putting its foot on the gas. The addition of Toppin may not be the blockbuster move that turns them into instant title contenders, but it’s a savvy pickup that underscores their seriousness. They’re not just a feel-good story anymore—they’re aiming for sustained success.
There’s still a chance the Pacers could orchestrate a sign-and-trade, though sources suggest talks are quiet on that front. Indiana doesn’t appear to be aggressively pursuing such an option, and it may simply let Toppin walk to preserve future flexibility. With eyes already on next summer’s free agent class and several in-house extensions looming, the Pacers are playing a long game.
Fans in Indiana are understandably mixed on the news. Toppin quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his electric playing style and hustle. Losing him to a conference rival only adds to the sting. However, the organization’s track record of player development and savvy front-office moves has built up a level of trust. If Walker blossoms and Siakam continues to produce at an All-Star level, the loss of Toppin could be absorbed more easily than expected.
In Orlando, excitement is building. The team has steadily improved each season and appears ready to make another leap. Toppin may not be the centerpiece, but he’s the type of additive piece that often makes a difference in tightly contested playoff series. His energy, floor spacing, and familiarity with high-level basketball could all be crucial down the stretch. And if his trajectory in Indiana was any indication, he may still have untapped potential just waiting to be unleashed.
As the deal nears completion, both franchises stand at a crossroads. For Indiana, it’s a moment of restraint and recalibration. For Orlando, it’s a move of ambition and intention. And for Obi Toppin, it’s another chance to prove that when given the right role, he can do more than just dunk—he can help a team win.
