Even a couple of days after the conclusion of the free agency moratorium which spawned a barrage of signings, the Indiana Pacers remain unfinished in the offseason, perhaps more than most teams. In fact, the franchise could easily play a huge role as to what transpires in the ongoing bidding war for superstar Kevin Durant.
Durant, who abruptly demanded a trade from the Brooklyn Nets in the opening hours of free agency, has sent the entire association into a complete frenzy. Some notable free agents remain unsigned, presumably awaiting what happens to the former MVP and anticipating new, potential landing spots.
The Indiana Pacers could dictate the Kevin Durant sweepstakes
Just to get this out of the way—No, the Indiana Pacers are extremely unlikely to make a move for Kevin Durant. It is in the circumstances surrounding them and a particular team that could give them a huge role in the KD front.
The Pacers have the capacity to sign the best free agent available, Deandre Ayton, to an offer sheet. In fact, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst recently dished out that the team certainly has interest in extending an offer to the RFA.
The Pacers are interested in signing Deandre Ayton to an offer sheet or even negotiating a sign-and-trade involving Myles Turner, per @WindhorstESPN.
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) July 7, 2022
"But holding everything up is the Suns' negotiations for Kevin Durant. ... Ayton may have to move on and do his own deal." pic.twitter.com/cSciehuI1p
Should Indiana pull the trigger here, the Phoenix Suns could be in for a precarious situation. Their brass has not shown resolute indications of being open to sign the big man to a max contract, giving the Pacers a very realistic shot at landing him outright.
What makes Ayton so crucial to the Suns is that they are banking on him as a potential centerpiece to expedite a Durant trade. Without him, not only will their offer to the Nets become a lot weaker, but they may not even be able to tender a working offer due to salary issues. Alas, Devin Booker and Chris Paul are certainly untouchables.
Hence, how the Suns maneuver in the following days could depend on the Pacers’ plans with Deandre Ayton, which should be unveiled on Saturday once the Malcolm Brogdon trade becomes official.
The Indiana Pacers have been relatively modest, yet solid so far in the offseason, but they may be in for a more dramatic ride sooner than later with one of the biggest decisions yet that they can possibly make—and it should have massive effects on the Kevin Durant situation.