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Potential trades for the Pacers in the new year

By Jacob Lane

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 4: Cory Joseph #6 of the Indiana Pacers goes for a lay up against the New York Knicks on December 4, 2017 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 4: Cory Joseph #6 of the Indiana Pacers goes for a lay up against the New York Knicks on December 4, 2017 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – OCTOBER 21: Goran Dragic
MIAMI, FL – OCTOBER 21: Goran Dragic /

Tier #2 – Indiana Pacers Upgrade Starters

Trade #1 – Miami Heat

Miami Heat Get: Darren Collison, Al Jefferson, Glen Robinson III, and protected 2020 first round pick

Indiana Pacers Get: Goran Dragic and Justice Winslow

Darren Collison and Goran Dragic aren’t too far apart when it comes to production over the last several years. However, we’ve all seen what Dragic is capable of doing when playing his best basketball.

The elite playmaking of Dragic would be an upgrade over Collison and would be welcomed fit next to Oladipo. While Dragic has had a down year statistically, it’s worth noting he has dealt with injuries and hasn’t been able to play with a lineup that’s up to far with what we’ve come to expect from the Miami Heat.

Miami would absolutely make this deal (contrary to popular belief) because of the flexibility it would begin to give them up against the salary cap. This offseason was the first that I can remember where legendary General Manager Pat Riley wasn’t able to land a star, and instead give out truckloads of money to pedestrian role players, while eliminating the ability to make trades for valuable assets. This deal helps them begin to get out from the ruble.

Acquiring a former top 10 pick in Justise Winslow, who hasn’t lived up to expectations but could benefit from a change of scenery and a top 15 point guard would be a great move for the Pacers, while the Heat get a future draft pick (which they don’t have a lot of) the expiring contract of Al Jefferson, a veteran point guard, and a quality wing player.

Trade #2 – Memphis Grizzlies

MEMPHIS, TN – NOVEMBER 15: Tyreke Evans
MEMPHIS, TN – NOVEMBER 15: Tyreke Evans /

Memphis Grizzlies Get: Bojan Bogdanovic, Joe Young, Ike Anigbogu, 2018 First Round Pick

Indiana Pacers Get: Tyreke Evans, Brandan Wright

The average basketball fan likely has no idea who Tyreke Evans even plays for. A former top 10 pick, Evans has been mostly injured over the last several seasons but is experiencing a bit of a renaissance season this year for the struggling Memphis Grizzlies.

If the Grizzlies were smart they’d sell high and get as much value for him as possible.

Nate McMillan has shown this season he loves playing two point guard lineups late in games, and while Evans isn’t your traditional lead guard, he is a guy who can make plays all over the floor. Putting Evans, a player capable of playing three positions, on the floor with Darren Collison/CoJo and Victor Oladipo, gives the Pacers a very unique and versatile playmaking line up while not losing size or an edge defensively.

While Evans is an unrestricted free agent this offseason and will likely have a long list of suitors lining up at his door with a lot of money (not sure if Indiana would be one), he could be a good guy for the Pacers to look at as a rest-of-season rental.

Trade #3 – Los Angeles Lakers

LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 20: Julius Randle
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 20: Julius Randle /

Los Angeles Lakers Get: Thaddeus Young, Glen Robinson III, Damien Wilkins, and 2020 protected first round pick

Indiana Pacers Get: Julius Randle, Luol Deng, and 2019 first round pick

This is a deal that might leave a lot of people scratching their heads, especially with Luol Deng having one of the worst contracts in the NBA. However, getting the chance to acquire a player like Julius Randle, who I believe is on the verge of stardom with the right opportunity, is a deal you can’t pass up.

Yes, you take on a lot of bad salaries and give up a fan favorite in Thaddeus Young, but Luol Deng is only 32 years old and has the potential to still play in the NBA (hence the 4 years, 72 million dollar contract he signed last season). Deng is just two years removed from playing two very good seasons with Miami (averaged 14 points per game in 2014-15) and could be a good veteran addition to this young, inexperienced team. Especially, when you bring back a guy like Randle. While Randle will be a restricted free agent this offseason, the Pacers would have the opportunity to match any offer made by another team. This deal would set Indiana up well for the future. A trio of Myles Turner, Julius Randle, and Domantas Sabonis would instantly be one of the best young frontcourts in the NBA.

Trade #4 – Utah Jazz

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – DECEMBER 23: Rodney Hood
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – DECEMBER 23: Rodney Hood /

Utah Jazz Get: T.J. Leaf, Al Jefferson, Joe Young, 2018 second round pick and protected 2020 first round pick

Indiana Pacers Get: Rodney Hood and Joe Johnson

This is the trade that I think makes the most sense for the Pacers. Rodney Hood, unfortunately, has fallen victim to the Donovan Mitchell show this season and has been relegated to a bench role while the rookie has quickly developed into one of the league’s bright young stars.

Hood would be a huge upgrade to Bogdanovic, who has played well this season as a full-time starter but plays better as a teams sixth man. Hood (26) and the Jazz didn’t agree to a contract extension earlier this season, meaning he’ll be eligible for restricted free agency this offseason. The Jazz would be smart to get the best deal they can for him now, rather than letting him walk for nothing.

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The Jazz would get a young forward to help with their rebuild, the expiring contract of Al Jefferson (only $4 million guaranteed in 2018-19), a young combo guard in Joe Young as well as two draft picks. The Pacers get a starting forward who has the potential to develop into one of the league’s best 3 & D wings, as well as a guard in Joe Johnson, who even at 36 is a bonafide bucket getter. Not only would Johnson give the Pacers bench a scoring boost, he’d be the veteran leader this team needs down the stretch of the season and into the postseason. Not to mention Johnson’s $10 million salaries would come off the books at the end of this season giving the Indiana Pacers more flexibility heading into 2018 Free Agency.

Indiana isn’t anywhere near contending in the Eastern Conference, but after getting off to surprising hot start they’ve shown that they may not be as far off as originally thought heading into the 2017-18 season. The trade deadline is only a short time away and not many teams would benefit more from a deal than the Pacers. With a mixture of young players, established veterans and veterans on short contracts looking for big pay day’s Kevin Pritchard has some pieces that would be attractive to many teams.

Next: Pacers officially unveil new “City Uniforms”

Again all of these trades are just projections and there are currently no rumors swirling around the Pacers, but I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if a deal is swung before February 8th’s deadline date.

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