Indiana Pacers: 3 players to fix the defense via trade

OG Anunoby might be a fun option for the Indiana Pacers

If the Raptors decide to move on from Anunoby before his contract extension kicks in next year, the Pacers should be very interested. Anunoby is a strong wing defender with a nice price tag at $18 million per year. Toronto had a down year in 2020-21 and could be looking to rebuild a bit through the draft where they hold the 4th overall pick.

Indiana has a glaring hole on the wing with T.J. Warren being the only reliable threat at that spot. While Justin Holiday and Oshae Brissett have made splashes, the Pacers should not rely on either of them to be quite the player that Anunoby has become in recent years.

The last two seasons have been incredible from OG as he has emerged as one of the better young wings in the NBA. His three-point shot has taken a substantial step in the right direction, up over 39 percent in the last two seasons. His free throw shooting has also taken a similar leap.

Defensively, Anunoby is averaging 1.5 steals and 0.7 blocks per game while contributing 5.5 rebounds as well. His 2020-21 campaign may raise his price quite a bit this summer as Anunoby exploded for 15.9 points but it would be worth it for a team trying to compete.

Sliding Anunoby into the four spot with Warren, LeVert, and Brogdon surrounding him would give Indiana a much better perimeter defense while moving away from the two-big lineup.