Indiana Pacers: Realistic and affordable free agent targets from every East playoff team

Indiana Pacers free agent target: Ish Smith, Washington Wizards

As T.J. McConnell enters free agency, it remains interesting to see how much interest he will garner in the association. But with his excellent play this season, not expecting an ample salary demand from the heady playmaker will be foolish. In fact, one can surmise that he is on track to force the team to re-sign him for slightly above his market value because of his career-year.

It would be a big bummer if McConnell leaves town, but as they say, money talks. Hence, the Indiana Pacers would be logical to anticipate a possible exit by scouring for reliable playmakers off the bench who can bring most of, if not the same IQ and leadership in the second unit.

11-year veteran and journeyman Ish Smith can be that guy. While he has bounced around the league for quite some time, to the tune of a staggering 11 teams, he’s found a niche in the league as a reliable playmaker in spurts off the bench, bringing much-needed energy, smarts and pesky defense. For the Wizards, he’s arguably their third-best playmaker behind Westbrook and Beal. He has also proven himself as a viable spot starter when injuries arise, a common sight in Indy.