Could the Indiana Pacers be one of the NBA’s most active teams leading into the trade deadline?
Personally, I doubt it. But at least one general manager could see a firestorm of transactions in their future, per HoopsHype’s Alex Kennedy:
The Pacers, Pelicans and Thunder are teams that have been active and are open to all kind of trade scenarios, according to executives.
They want to put solid pieces around their cornerstone players and have been trying to find ways to upgrade their respective rosters.
Indiana would trade anyone not named Paul George, said one general manager.
Not so fast, though. Kennedy went on to note that Myles Turner, in all likelihood, probably falls under the Paul George umbrella:
With that being said, I can't see Myles Turner being dealt. But the GM's point is that Indiana is open for business: https://t.co/8ofIKVfKgG
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) February 15, 2017
This isn’t all that surprising. The Pacers are within striking distance of a top-four playoff berth in the Eastern Conference, but they’re firmly stuck in the middle. They aren’t beating the Boston Celtics or Cleveland Cavaliers over the course of a seven-game series, and team president Larry Bird might be best served taking a stick of dynamite to the current roster, then rebuilding around George and Turner.
Except, the Pacers aren’t exactly teeming with assets. They could probably get something for Thaddeus Young, but they’ll be forced to sell low on Jeff Teague with his free agency on the horizon. No one will probably touch Monta Ellis’ contract, and Al Jefferson holds minimal value, mostly because he can still score and the final season of his three-year, $30 million is non-guaranteed.
Things might get interesting for the Pacers if they attach C.J. Miles, who will enter free agency this summer (player option), to one of their higher salary guys. Contenders would certainly be willing to give up a pick for Miles, and the right team could talk itself into taking on Jefferson’s or Young’s contract.
If I was a betting man, I’d bank on the Pacers standing relatively pat. But they’re certainly in a position to pivot, so we’ll just have to wait and see.
