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Indiana Pacers: 3 ways they could waste this offseason

By Luke Parrish

TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 05: Malcom Brogdon #7 of the Indiana Pacers is introduced prior to the first half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on February 05, 2020 in Toronto, Canada. 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. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 05: Malcom Brogdon #7 of the Indiana Pacers is introduced prior to the first half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on February 05, 2020 in Toronto, Canada. 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. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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Indiana Pacers
T.J. McConnell, Indiana Pacers – Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

The Indiana Pacers cannot afford to overpay their own free agents

With limited cap space and two key free agents set to hit the market, the Pacers have to be smart with their plan this summer. Doug McDermott is going to command a lot of money as a bench sniper that could help a contender in the playoffs.

McDermott scored a career-high 13.6 points per game last season with the Pacers while boasting a nice jump shot and slashing prowess. In three seasons with the Pacers, McDermott shot 41.1 percent from three-point range and has maintained a 40.7 percent mark for his career.

T.J. McConnell is also about to become a free agent after a strong showing with the Pacers recently and his services may be sought by a handful of competitors. McConnell is a respected veteran point guard with an eye for helping his teammates succeed.

As a facilitator on offense, McConnell shined at times last season with high-assist performances and a few nice outings as a mid-range shooter. Defensively, McConnell is capable of snatching a few extra possessions with important steals that lead to transition buckets.

The case for letting McDermott walk is a bit easier to understand given his market and likely cost to retain. He is going to earn a massive payday in what will likely be his final opportunity before age hurts his value. If he is given a major offer from a team with championship aspirations, McDermott will have no choice but to accept.

McConnell, on the other hand, will be a cheaper option but replacing him in the draft or elsewhere is not a bad idea. Indiana cannot overpay to keep McConnell when he has yet to prove himself as a threat on offense. Shooting 31 percent from three and refusing to take open looks was harmful to the Pacers last season.

Letting both guys walk and trying to replace them with younger options is a much better decision than attempting to match offers they receive elsewhere. Remember, the Pacers need to keep money available to extend T.J. Warren after next season.

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