It sounds like the Indiana Pacers are right in the thick of the free agent news, as they have been connected by multiple credible sources to players across the league. And today, another such report has come out linking to the team to one of the more coveted free agents.
One of the storylines this previous season was the Denver Nuggets being able to put together a team from top-to-bottom with championship ability, a team littered with depth. One of the key pieces of that rotation was Bruce Brown Jr, who seemed to be able to play and guard every position on the court.
NBA Insider Marc Stein is reporting that the Pacers are now the frontrunners in the race to sign Bruce Brown Jr this offseason:
NBA matters are especially fluid this time of year -- as James Harden's opt-in in Philly just showed us -- and league sources say A) Indiana is a new team to watch in the pursuit of Denver's Bruce Brown and B) Indiana should NOT automatically be deemed Max Strus' landing spot.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 30, 2023
And when Marc Stein says something, you better believe it. He has been a Pacers insider for years and generally is in tune with what the team is hopeful to do. That being said, if the Pacers are really wanting to pursue Brown, they are going to have multiple competitors wanting to bring him in.
Sources: Bruce Brown intends to meet with the Mavs soon after the opening of free agency. Brown is expected to have several suitors and has not ruled out a return to Denver despite the financial constraints. His market is $12.4M midlevel but Nuggets are limited to $7.8M.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) June 29, 2023
The Pacers may have to slightly overpay for his services, but it would likely be worth it. Given that Denver can’t really afford to pay him this upcoming season, teams like the Mavs and Lakers will also be looking to add him to their roster.
If the Pacers could slightly overpay for him and get a longer contract, it may very well be worth the effort to do so.
Bruce Brown could turn into the starting small forward of the Pacers future.
Just imagine this starting lineup: Haliburton, Hield/Mathurin, Brown, Walker, and Turner. That could really turn into and grow into something that is competitive up and down the eastern conference. Pacers fans should be hopeful that the team is able to put their money behind the rumors and bring in the services of this coveted free agent.
Outlets report that Pacers weighing contracts for key free agents
The Pacers were bound to have a busy summer. They need to add forwards desperately to a roster that has far too many guards on it.