What could the Pacers get in return for their first round draft pick?

Readers beware, just skip this one if you aren’t from Indianapolis. Like Monta Ellis, Al Jefferson is an awful contract. Last season he played pretty ineffectively when he was on the court, and the Pacers paid him at an amount way higher than his production. Next season, one could expect that situation to be similar, so the Pacers may need to trade an asset, like with Ellis, to get off Jefferson’s salary.

The Knicks need anything they can get to rebuild. Their starting center is also terrible and suspended to start the season next year. Al Jefferson AND the 18th pick could be useful for them, so this trade would be nice for them.

For the Pacers, this trade offers a handful of benefits. One, it gets them off of Al Jefferson’s salary. Two, it lands them Ron Baker, who surprised everyone with his play in New York last season and would be a great young contributor off the bench for the Pacers. Seconds, it gets them Courtney Lee, one of the best defending two guards in the league. Third, Lee is from Indianapolis and would bring local fans to games to watch him play. This trade gets the Pacers young talent and fans at their games, which is great. However it probably isn’t enough of a return for the 18th pick, so don’t expect the Pacers to do this.

(Writers note: I LOVE when Indy high schoolers play for the Pacers, so please let me dream, as I recently had my heart broken by a George Hill trade)