One trade that could be too good for the Pacers to pass up

Should the Indiana Pacers agree to this deal if it’s offered on the table?

The idea of trading an expiring contract and a lottery-protected first-rounder in exchange for two, tremendous projects who could easily flourish in a new environment is, sentimental feelings aside, a virtual no-brainer. It’s not common for two high draft selections with obvious upside to become available, much less as returns for a player deemed to be a flight risk.

Between Wiseman and Kuminga, the Indiana Pacers could have a couple of potential franchise cornerstones who present easy fits within the current core.

The former remains an uber-efficient post scorer who can hit the occasional jumper. His defense and intangibles remain so-so at the moment, but his physical gifts are more than enough to turn expectations into an eventual reality. Meanwhile, the latter is a springy, versatile forward who could immediately cover for the team’s lack of length and become a lethal force with his untapped scoring potential.

However, to be quite honest, expecting the Warriors to even put these on the table is a reach. Despite their slow start, Golden State is a safe bet to make the playoffs. And touting one of the smartest front offices in sports, expecting them to simply give up on their meticulously minted young core to take a gamble on a possible one-year rental is inarguable malpractice.

Should the Pacers do this deal if the window for such opens up? Definitely. Just don’t expect the Warriors as currently constructed to simply take an all-out approach to team building at the expense of a massive chunk of their future.