Indiana Pacers: Grading the team’s moves in Day 1 of NBA Free Agency

Doug McDermott leaves the Indiana Pacers for the Alamo City

The Indiana Pacers’ most vivid flight risk in the offseason rang the expected tone, moving on from the Blue and Gold to sign with the San Antonio Spurs on a lucrative three-year deal worth 42 million, an expensive yet precedented pact for one of this free agency class’ best three-point shooters.

Following the Pacers’ recent moves, especially the acquisition of Chris Duarte in the 2021 NBA Draft, keeping Doug McDermott became far from a priority, especially with Indiana needing to venture into luxury territory to keep the seven-year player on the team. It also must be noted that the wing position isn’t exactly a glaring weakness for the team with the likes of TJ Warren, Justin Holiday, Oshae Brissett and another new face occupying the position next season.

By going to the Alamo City, McDermott didn’t only secure the bag, but also managed to carve out a perfect situation for him, with San Antonio being the lone team last season to not average double-digit made threes per game, an area that he should be able to fill in with ease.

Call Indiana a bit conservative by staying clear of McDermott, but the front office’s obvious perception of less is more in this situation is not only apt roster-wise, but also practical with regards to keeping flexibility for keeping the team’s core players later on. A sign-and-trade to exact some assets in return is still on the table, though that seems unlikely at this point.

Grade: B+