Indiana Pacers: One trade idea to consider involving Jeremy Lamb

Why the Indiana Pacers will benefit from this deal

Maxi Kleber has been one of the most effective low-usage role players in the league in recent years. One of coach Rick Carlisle’s favored utility men in his time with the Dallas Mavericks, the German stretch big, despite not looking the part, is a mobile and versatile defender who doesn’t need the ball to make immediate impact.

Essentially a 3-and-D big man, Kleber is a unique player in that he can play all three frontcourt positions on defense. The Mavericks deployed him in spurts in the past two postseasons against the likes of Kawhi Leonard, to varied results. His defensive-minded approach and familiarity with the coaching staff would be a useful boost to the Pacers’ bench.

The best part is Kleber’s ability to be slotted in different lineup combinations. He can play as a lone big and function as a rim runner slash spot-up shooter, or collaborate with one of Indy’s big men as a power forward mainly as a pick and pop option, albeit on low frequency.

Meanwhile, Trey Burke can slot in as the team’s third-string point guard, ahead of the enigmatic Brad Wanamaker. Unlike the latter, and primary backup TJ McConnell in that regard, Burke can wreak havoc on the perimeter, giving the team an emergency scorer who can help thwart scoring droughts.