Indiana Pacers Mailbag: Trades, expectations, and how to fix the lineup

From @DonTrellBullies

Should pacers trade Turner for John collins? Or use our late 1st picks n a cap filler player? Also should we keep buddy?

No, the Pacers should not trade Myles Turner for John Collins. Myles Turner is a better player than John Collins, and unless the Hawks send additional assets back, the Pacers shouldn’t accept a straight swap of the players. I completely understand the temptation Pacers fans face when the team is linked with this player. He’s a forward-sized player, which the team desperately needs, and his peak offensive numbers look super exciting. There are several problems with trading for John Collins. Firstly, he is currently at the lowest value of his career. While he’s still young- 25 until next September- he’s no longer on a cheap contract. He’ll make over $75 million over the next three seasons. He’s never been an all-star, and while having, at best, 20 points and 10 boards per game on this team would be great, he’s a really bad defender. I actually think that because his offensive fit on this team would be relatively seamless, it would be interesting to see him play next to Myles and determine whether that pairing could cover each other’s weaknesses, but I don’t think that giving up your best asset for a player at his lowest trade value ever would be a smart move.

I think the Pacers should do something with their two late first-round picks other than just draft two more rookies next year only to have them end up playing mostly G-league minutes because they can’t beat out the other plethora of young talent this team has. What exactly should be done with those picks is anyone’s guess. Kevin Pritchard and the rest of the front office are paid handsomely to make the most out of those types of assets.

As far as keeping Buddy, I have and will continue to, go back and forth on this one. On the one hand, he’s an excellent shooter and all-around offensive contributor that would fit on any contender. I’m sure the Pacer would receive pretty good compensation for him in a trade to could help continue the rebuild. On the other hand, he’s a great fit for this team, he plays every single night, and he has a great relationship with Indiana’s most important player. That last one is particularly important. While Haliburton doesn’t give me the impression that he is the type of guy to hold a trade of his friend against the franchise in future contract negotiations, it never hurts to keep your biggest star happy. If I had to make the decision, I think I would trade Buddy this season, but I won’t blame the front office is he ends this year on the team.