Will the Indiana Pacers actually trade one of their stars?

This year’s trade deadline has featured rumors surrounding almost every member of the Indiana Pacers. Now, Domantas Sabonis and Malcolm Brogdon are in the headlines as potential pieces that could be on the move to contenders.

Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports has reported that the Pacers are listening to pitches on Brogdon and potentially even Sabonis ahead of Thursday’s deadline. While this is standard procedure, it is interesting to see their names mentioned.

Will the Indiana Pacers sell at the deadline?

It always seems inevitable that the Pacers will trade one of their starting centers and Myles Turner is typically the one that is tossed around in talks the most. Turner, while strong on the defensive end, is certainly an easier asset to acquire compared to the now two-time All-Star in Sabonis.

Sabonis would have to fetch quite the return for Indiana and I highly doubt the Pacers want to move their best offensive player midway through the season when his value is relatively low. Whether the Turbonis duo is sustainable is a different concern but the Pacers would be smart to at least discuss splitting them up in some capacity.

Malcolm Brogdon’s situation is a bit more understandable given the lack of wing depth and a crowded backcourt the Pacers currently have. With Caris LeVert getting back into form over the next few weeks, we could see him develop into the primary on-ball point guard rather than Brogdon.

If a competitor is willing to give up young assets and/or wing defenders for Brogdon, it would not be a bad move by Indiana. With Warren eventually returning and helping the offense, Brogdon becomes less of a need. LeVert, Warren, Sabonis, Turner, and a fifth starter – either via the Brogdon trade or off Indiana’s bench currently – is still a very capable offensive lineup.

Sure, losing Brogdon’s composure in place of LeVert, who is still getting back to his old self, may cause a bit of a brief slide. That should not be the primary concern given the current placement of Indiana and the question marks surrounding Warren. Looking ahead to 2022 is still very much on the table while still trying to compete this season.

I have a hard time seeing the Pacers make a move of this caliber at the deadline but it is definitely not off the table. All things have to be considered when you underperform.