The Indiana Pacers should make a move for this up-and-coming star

Given how this season has transpired so far for the Indiana Pacers, it is certainly difficult to expect for the tides to eventually turn soon. Not only are they entering the toughest stretch of the campaign over the next month or so, but the team has simply been bereft of bright spots to convince people that they can improve their measly standing.

While appearing content with what they currently have in store, the thought of moving forward and building for the future should strike the front office sooner than later. It’s becoming as clear as the sky that the current core has a firm ceiling, and trying to stick with what’s clunky, in today’s NBA, is franchise malpractice.

What now? Well, the Pacers should try to kickstart a youth movement as soon as possible. All of their best players right now are already in their primes, and expecting them to make a game-changing jump or two is simply a reach.

The Indiana Pacers should trade for this up-and-coming star

One player loaded with potential that the Indiana Pacers should try to make a move for is Atlanta Hawks wing Cam Reddish. Reddish, the 10th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, has turned heads this season with his electric play off the bench for the Hawks. After juggling between undefined roles in his first two seasons, the Duke product seems ready to make a huge leap.

Why would Atlanta even think of trading him? Well, the Hawks have already invested most of their cap space to their franchise cornerstones. That’s why it’s no surprise that multiple reports have popped up about their willingness to trade the 22-year-old—but for a lofty price, as they are reportedly asking for a first-round pick in return in any deal.

It’s doubtful that the Pacers are willing to dangle a first-rounder given their limbo state between competing and rebuilding, but theoretically, if they are committed to building from the ground up, they have multiple win-now contributors who could offset Atlanta’s desire for draft capital, especially with the Hawks itching to get back to the upper echelon in the East.

Still, Indiana can go different routes in trying to make a move for Reddish. If they stubbornly insist on winning now, they can offer a package centered on Atlanta’s wanted veteran (say, Justin Holiday) plus a first-rounder, though this is less likely. It’s more beneficial for both sides if the Pacers offer one of their core guys for Reddish and one of the Hawks’ many salary fillers.

Cam Reddish will not solve all of the Indiana Pacers’ problems, but given his potential, he should be able to inject some much-needed verve to a franchise stuck in the middle for the second season in a row.