Indiana Pacers: 4 way-too-early NBA trade deadline predictions

While the Indiana Pacers have a talented roster, as coach Rick Carlisle puts it, they don’t have the kind of talent to win by talent alone. As a result, the Blue and Gold has been on a trek in the early going, with a 3-7 win-loss card through the first 10 games of the season while grasping for consistency as they begin to get healthier.

Despite the rollercoaster ride so far, the Pacers arguably can’t expect to simply jump up the Eastern Conference ladder by having their injured key players return. With the East now a lot stronger and deeper than before, Indiana will have to be more aggressive in hunting for talents that can boost their placement in the standings.

The Indiana Pacers could be key players on the trade deadline

Aside from last season’s big midseason trade that saw the Indiana Pacers acquire Caris LeVert after parting ways with Victor Oladipo, the team has rarely made deals in the middle of their campaign, largely opting to settle things in the offseason and maintain fluidity personnel-wise.

However, I’d argue that given the Pacers’ collection of attractive trade bargains, the front office should pounce hard on the market and attempt to strike some changes to help the team wage a more competitive bid this season, instead of simply hoping that injuries subside and bannering, yet again, continuity.

Thus, without further ado, here are four way-too-early 2021 NBA trade deadline predictions for the Indiana Pacers, starting with perhaps the most predictable one.