The Indiana Pacers have plenty of trade scenarios to sort through prior to next season, especially with a handful of talented players that could net a solid return. They will probably sort through a number of offers for Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner as the pairing seems to be on its last limb.
Even with so many rumors set to hit the headlines this summer, the Pacers have other trade chips that deserve some attention. Arguably their best trade chip, at least if they want to sell and build for the future, is getting no buzz right now.
The Indiana Pacers have a sneaky trade piece on the roster
All season long, trade rumors for Aaron Holiday ran rampant as he struggled to get going. However, his brother may be the most sought-after Pacer this offseason if Indiana heads toward a rebuilding year. Justin Holiday brings a veteran presence and shooting prowess that should gain the attention of contending teams.
Justin has been a lights-out shooter since he entered the NBA and has only gotten better since signing with the Indiana Pacers. In two seasons with Indiana, Holiday has connected on 39.2 percent of his three-point attempts and has shot a decent amount. Last season, Holiday attempted 6.3 3PA per game, up from his 4.5 attempts per game in his first season with the Pacers.
In that first season, Holiday connected on a career-best 40.5 percent of his attempts. Having a shooter off the bench is incredibly valuable especially in the playoffs. Holiday’s experience as a starter and off the bench makes him a strong asset for a cheap price.
His cap hit is minimal while the necessary package to acquire him is also going to be pretty low compared to other players on the market. Holiday is set to make just over $6 million in each of the next two seasons which is a great value for what he brings.
Not only is Holiday a solid perimeter shooter, but he is also a good enough defender with length. He has not been put in many great situations but his time in the NBA has shown that he can be a consistent contributor on both ends.
The Pacers, who would likely be trading Holiday to let him have a crack at a title run and replacing him with cheap, young options on the wing, would not need a King’s ransom in return. Instead, Indiana could ship him off for low-value draft picks or young bench depth from contending teams.
The Lakers are almost always in the mix to add extra shooters and Holiday fits the mold of the players LeBron James likes to play with. He’s a savvy veteran that can handle his own but will make his living as a spot-up shooter outside. Not many teams in the NBA could afford to pass him up if he is made available this offseason.
While the return may not be all that attractive for Pacers fans, trading Holiday in favor of younger options as the team searches for a new identity might just be the right move to make. To make things even easier, Indiana could also trade Aaron Holiday at some point this offseason so the not-so-real guilt of trading his brother would not exist.
The roster needs a massive shakeup in Indiana. As much as I love Justin Holiday as a two-way player and leader for this team, trading him should be an option this summer. Even if Doug McDermott exits in free agency, Indiana needs to open up minutes for Edmond Sumner, Oshae Brissett, and their upcoming first-round draft pick, which very well may be another wing player.
For Holiday, getting a chance to finally play on a winning team has to be enticing. In eight NBA seasons, Holiday has made the playoffs just twice and has only witnessed one win in the postseason. It’s his time to pursue a ring.