Indiana Pacers: One blockbuster trade idea for a new franchise centerpiece

Indiana Pacers, Domantas Sabonis, Jaylen Brown - Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Indiana Pacers, Domantas Sabonis, Jaylen Brown - Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
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Indiana Pacers, Domantas Sabonis, Jaylen Brown
Indiana Pacers, Domantas Sabonis, Jaylen Brown – Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

The Indiana Pacers are well-positioned to trade for a new franchise cornerstone

In this trade idea, the Indiana Pacers acquire All-Star guard Jaylen Brown, two-time All-Defensive Team member Marcus Smart, and forward Juancho Hernangomez from the Boston Celtics for two-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis, guard Caris LeVert, and veteran scorer Jeremy Lamb.

With this six-player swap, the Pacers acquire a new cornerstone to build around and a solid culture setter with loads of playoff experience, while the Celtics get an upper-tier big man and a dangerous backcourt scorer to better complement franchise player Jayson Tatum and hash out a more well-rounded scoring attack.

Better yet, this trade will see both teams have considerable roster control over their incoming pieces. This deal, however, cannot transpire before January 22, when Marcus Smart’s restriction off the trade table is lifted.

Now, should the Indiana Pacers pull the trigger on this trade?