Grading proposed Pacers trade for Toppin and other “can’t miss” trades

A three team trade that may just answer the biggest needs of multiple teams

Previous reports have linked the Pacers and Knicks together in Obi Toppin talks. This deal would get it done for them with a third team facilitating the trade.

We have complicated feelings on this one, so we will give you the grade upfront.

Our thoughts?

This trade would be a B- level trade. And here’s why: we aren’t sure that Obi Toppin has enough upside to replace the impact that Buddy Hield brings to the Pacers. First, Buddy is playing the best basketball of his career. And second, he seems to have an amazing relationship with Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton. It would likely be a mistake to disrupt that.

However, if the Pacers don’t see Buddy Hield as a part of the future, Toppin and Jones are not bad returns for Hield, just probably not the best they could do.