Would the newest NBA trade candidates fit with the Indiana Pacers?
By Joe Lyon
Zach Lavine, Chicago Bulls
Lavine is a great player, and in his time in Chicago has repeatedly shown that he is able to play high-level basketball and put up points in a hurry. Averaging over 24 points per game on 48% shooting last year, he has shown the ability to be efficient with relatively high usage.
As a shooting guard however, Zach Lavine might not make a lot of sense. We already have Mathurin, Duarte, Hield, Nesmith, and Nembhard that can all play a similar role to Zach Lavine, even if some of those options are less desirable.
That being said, if Lavine truly is available, the Pacers should at least pick up the phone to see what the asking price is. Players of his caliber aren’t available all the time, and a small-market team like the Pacers should always be looking into situations like his to see if they can take advantage.
Another player on his team in DeMar Derozan would likely be a much better fit on this Pacers team than Lavine would, even though both are extremely talented.