With the 2023 NBA Trade Deadline approaching its end game, the Indiana Pacers somehow found a way to get into the action, reportedly being involved in a three-team deal involving veteran forward Jae Crowder.
The Athletics’ Shams Charania first broke the news that the Brooklyn Nets are sending Crowder, acquired from Phoenix in the Kevin Durant blockbuster deal, to the Milwaukee Bucks for five whopping second-round picks. However, it seems that the Pacers are joining the fray and are slated to receive Bucks wing Jordan Nwora and two second-rounders.
Indiana is acquiring Bucks' Jordan Nwora and two second-rounders in this Nets/Bucks three-way deal, sources said.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 9, 2023
Milwaukee acquires its defending, culture piece in Crowder for the stretch run. Crowder's last three NBA seasons: Two NBA Finals runs and a 64-win season. https://t.co/J0PHPCcygW
The Indiana Pacers land Jordan Nwora and picks in three-team Jae Crowder deal
Nwora, Milwaukee’s 45th pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, could immediately contribute to a Pacers team in dire need of length at the wings. At 6’8, the Louisville product gives Rick Carlisle some more flexibility. Even better, his career 37.6 percent clip from downtown will be a welcome boost to one of the league’s more proficient three-point shooting clubs.
In addition, the Pacers are also receiving two second-round picks in this deal, giving them a wider deck to play with as they approach this deadline and beyond.
The outgoing returns from Indiana to make this deal work remain to be seen, but the team is also reportedly waiving big man Goga Bitadze to clear a roster spot. Since getting drafted in 2018, the Georgian center has failed to crack the rotation and secure a stable role for himself under three different head coaches during that span.
Pacers are waiving Goga Bitadze, sources said. https://t.co/hNZWwIKgtS
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 9, 2023
With the trade deadline just a couple of hours away, the Indiana Pacers are unlikely to make a franchise-altering move. Fortunately, it seems like the front office isn’t standing pat either and will try to make some more changes at the margins to maximize what they have on hand.
As this is still a developing story, we’ll update this piece as more details surface.