Indiana Pacers: Examining one deal to land the Kings’ No. 4 pick for Malcolm Brogdon

Why the Indiana Pacers should not trade Malcolm Brogdon for the Kings’ 4th pick

While there are valid merits of trading Malcolm Brogdon and the sixth pick for the Kings’ fourth pick, there are equally legitimate reasons why this could potentially be a needless gamble for the Indiana Pacers.

First, the talent difference between Jaden Ivey, Shaedon Sharpe, Keegan Murray, and yes, Bennedict Mathurin, prospects projected by most outlets to be in the immediate tier after the clear top-three, is not heaven and earth. Picking two spots earlier in this case could be the margin between making a safe and guarded pick and banking on sheer upside as a gamble, but the teams above them in that range would also be on the fence as to which prospect to pick in a relatively equal field, giving the Pacers some window to snag their desired prospect even with a lower pick.

Second, Malcolm Brogdon could fetch the Pacers better returns. Indiana’s brass could realistically package him separately to net immediate contributors, aside from making their sixth pick available to move up. The Pacers will be selling themselves a bit short in this deal, because considering the players they would be taking back, this could double as a salary dump move for them, which is a concession of some sorts in view of Brogdon’s fringe All-Star level production and considerable roster control in his contract.

Ultimately, no one can fault the Indiana Pacers for wanting to move up and get better leverage in the draft, but they must move with caution as they should also not overlook the fact that their own assets are coveted by a wide range of teams.