Three Buy-Out Candidates for the Indiana Pacers

2. Ian Mahinmi

It’s always nice to have a reunion included. Ian Mahinmi spent four seasons in Indianapolis from 2012 to 2016 before leaving for a major payday in Washington D.C. That deal did not work out well for this Wizards, but the Pacers could be the beneficiary if they decide to finally cut ties.

Mahinmi has struggled with injuries since leaving the Circle City. He’s eclipsed 35 games only once in the last four seasons. Fortunately, in his return he would no longer be expected to start or play heavy minutes.

Myles Turner is the Indiana Pacers’ starting center. There is not changing that with a buy-out guy. But shoring up the bench’s interior defense moving into May and June is incredibly important.

Currently, the second unit revolves around Domantas Sabonis in the middle. This gives him more run as the primary option of the offense and gives the bench a go-to scorer. The problem with this set-up is if he or Turner get into foul trouble the rotation gets thrown out of wack.

Goga Bitadze has shown good promise this season, but it would be hard to trust him in a playoff series against Joel Embiid or Giannis Antetokounmpo. That isn’t a knock, both players dominate the very best in the league every night of the week.

The championship experience, size, and strength Mahinmi brings could be integral to the Pacers in a gargantuan Eastern Conference.