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Bleacher Report proposes blasphemous free agent signing for Pacers

By Ian Anderson

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 14: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors has a few words to say after recieving his second technical foul in the game against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on December 14, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 14: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors has a few words to say after recieving his second technical foul in the game against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on December 14, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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It’s the time of year where ridiculous trades and free agent signings for the Pacers are going to come out of the woodwork from all corners of the internet. And Bleacher Report has just added fuel to the fire.

Four-time NBA champion Draymond Green is set to be a free agent this summer. Bleacher Report recently published an article suggesting that the Pacers should pursue the former defensive player of the year.

Why the Pacers should Pursue Draymond Green

Draymond has four rings and exponentially more playoff experience than any current Pacer. Bringing in a veteran presence like Green into the locker room would offer guidance to a young Pacers squad and help the franchise make their first playoff appearance since 2020.

Additionally, in the 2022-2023 season the Pacers struggled tremendously on the defensive end, giving up the second most points in the NBA to opponents at 119.5 per game. Green has been the defensive anchor for Golden State for a decade and has the trophy case to prove it: A defensive player of the year, four all defensive first teams, four all defensive second teams. By signing Green, the Pacers would look to solve defensive problems and bring in a veteran leader.

Why the Pacers should not pursue Draymond Green

At the start of the 2023-2024 season Draymond will be entering his eleventh NBA season at 33 years old. Draymond Green was paid over 25 million dollars this year, and for an aging Draymond, the contract he desires this offseason would not be worth it for Indiana.

Draymond Green‘s better days offensively are behind him. Playing in Golden State, Green has had the luxury of playing with two of the best off-ball players in NBA history in Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry. Playing with this duo has given Draymond freedom on the offensive end to be a primary ballhandler, and Klay and Steph’s off-ball movement creates scoring opportunities for Green. Indiana is a three-point shooting team, but despite this Draymond’s offensive game would not translate nearly as well in Indiana, and he would not contribute much offensively.

Should the Indiana Pacers pursue Warriors forward Draymond Green?

Absolutely not. Yes, the defensive presence and playoff experience would be extremely impactful on our young core, but the price tag for an aging Draymond would simply not be worth it for a polarizing player who struggles tremendously offensively. The idea of a four-time champ and an all-time defensive player is enticing, but Draymond would not be a smart move for Kevin Pritchard.

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