NBA Rumors: Pacers should target two-way player who wants to win
By Joe Lyon
The Indiana Pacers are going to have quite a bit of cap space in the upcoming season. Given that they have multiple free agents in the upcoming summer (see more about those here), the Pacers will have quite a bit of flexibility in how they want to proceed.
It’s no secret that the Pacers have needed a power forward for quite some time now. And a new article by Bleacher Report indicates that there is going to be a power forward on the market looking to win in the near future.
Jerami Grant has been an exceptional player this year, being a player that could make the difference on a team that already has top talent. Given that the Pacers already have “the guy” in Tyrese Haliburton and additional firepower in Hield, Mathurin, and Turner, Grant could come in alongside and really make the difference.
One interesting quote from the new Athletic article is when they report:
"“A source close to Grant said the difference in money is not life-altering enough to sacrifice his desire to win.”"
Grant has already turned down an extension offer by the Trailblazers given that he will be able to sign for more money in the upcoming offseason. It sounds like Grant’s top priority is not money but in fact winning.
What does this mean for the Indiana Pacers?
However, this won’t be an easy sell for the Pacers. In fact, given they are a lottery team this year, it might be an impossible sell. If one reads into the comment closely, Grant may be looking to leave for a team that is already championship ready. However, many of those teams will not have the ability to beat the offer he has already turned down from the Blazers.
Ultimately, the Pacers may be the perfect destination even though they are in the lottery this year. They are already on the up-and-up with an all-star player as well as visibly have many of the pieces that a contender needs.
It is probably most likely that Lillard and co. are able to convince Grant to stay in Portland. However, Portland seems to be stagnate while the Pacers are on the rise.
