ESPN proposes interesting Indiana Pacers-Portland Trail Blazers trade

ESPN bares interesting trade between the Pacers and Trail Blazers

In this trade proposal, the Indiana Pacers send second-year wing Chris Duarte and veteran point guard TJ McConnell to the Portland Trail Blazers for sixth-year wing Josh Hart.

Duarte’s struggles this season for the Pacers have been well-documented. His play is starting to improve in the last few games, but one can only hope about the ceiling of his impact given his minimal role with the team even with Haliburton out. To be honest, he could be the odd man out if Indiana interjects on balancing the roster out.

Meanwhile, McConnell has been a steady hand for the Blue and Gold, even taking on the mantle as the lead guard sans Haliburton. The sneaky point guard has remained very serviceable, and his shooting has climbed back to normalcy after starting the season uncharacteristically inefficient from the field.

On the flip side, Hart has started all games for Portland in the current campaign as their main small forward. His scoring and perimeter shooting have declined with lesser usage, but his defense, rebounding, and playmaking have been more impressive than ever.

is this a beneficial trade proposal for the Pacers? Let’s dig in a little deeper.