What could the Pacers get in return for their first round draft pick?
By Tony East
The final trade is the leader in the clubhouse for what I would want the Pacers to do. TJ Warren is young and still on his rookie contract and has been a great scorer in his time with the Suns. He can get by guys in front of him, and he would fit perfectly next to a stretch five like Myles Turner.
The Suns look likely to pick a wing (Josh Jackson or Jayson Tatum) with the fourth pick in the draft. That would make Warren the odd man out in Phoenix, especially with his contract ending after next season. Glenn Robinson III could help them off the bench in ways that Warren couldn’t, and the 18th pick could give them someone more along their timeline.
For the Pacers, this trade nets them a great young scorer who can handle the ball and run an offense. He is better than anyone the Pacers could get with the 18th pick, and the 32nd pick still offers pretty high value in the second round. In a post-PG world, Warren could start and the 32nd pick could grow into a very useful player for the Pacers. This trade would be very useful for a Pacers rebuild.
Next: Paul George will finish his contract with the Pacers
In all likelihood, the Pacers will hold on to their pick and bring in a new, young prospect on June 22. However, it never hurts to daydream for a few thousand words.