Cecil Harris of the Indianapolis Star reports that the Pacers are interested in Hakeem Olajuwon. Pacers president Donnie Walsh and coach Isiah Thomas were in Houston on Friday to court Olajuwon. The Pacers joined a crowded group of suitors, which includes the Rockets, Toronto, Utah, New York and Miami.

The Pacers could obtain Olajuwon in a sign-and-trade deal or by offering him their $4.5 million mid-level exception. Though general manager Carroll Dawson said the Rockets' intent is to retain Olajuwon, Houston has shown interest in Indiana forward Austin Croshere. Last summer, the Rockets attempted to sign Croshere, then a free agent. Because Croshere is a base-year compensation player, a trade would be subject to the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.