NBA Rumors: Eastern conference rival interested in landing Pacers’ pick

It is that time of year where rumors are going to be all over the place as teams scramble to get their ducks in a row prior to the annual NBA draft. This year, the Pacers seem to be firmly in the middle of the action. And the newest news indicates that we may be seeing a trade very soon.

Sam Amico of Hoops Wire is reporting that there is one team specifically that has reached out to the Indiana Pacers in order to acquire one of their late first-round picks.

"“The Cavaliers have spoken to the Pacers about potentially acquiring Indiana’s No. 26 or No. 29 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, sources told Hoops Wire.”"

So it sounds like the Cavs are essentially trying to reacquire their first round pick that the Pacers were able to get from trading Caris LeVert. However, it is unclear in the report what the Cavs might be willing to send back in return to the Pacers.

Because they are later first-round picks it’s unlikely that the Cavs would have to give up much of anything in order to acquire the pick, especially if the Pacers are not wanting to bring in five rookies like they have previously reported.

The Pacers could try and swap the pick with a future first-round pick or take a handful of future second-round picks for the first-round pick. It’s hard to see the Cavs trading any players of real significance for a late first-round pick.

The Pacers will likely make some big moves, but don’t expect it to be with the Cavaliers.

There isn’t alot of natural trading potential between these two franchises at the moment, so don’t look for anything big to come of this. In fact, I would expect the Pacers will hold on to the pick just to see if they can package it with other assets to land something much bigger on the trade market.