Grade the Trade: Pacers ditch Bruce Brown for defensive ace in mock deal

Grade the Trade: Indiana Pacers trade Bruce Brown to Toronto Raptors for OG Anunoby in mock deal: Pacers grade

Obviously, ditching Bruce Brown in a trade just a few months after they signed him would be a bit of a bad look for the Indiana Pacers, especially for any future free agents who may want to sign with them.

That said, the optics are the only thing truly bad about this trade. From a purely basketball perspective, this would be pretty close to a slam dunk for the Pacers.

As previously mentioned, the Pacers have reportedly been chasing OG Anunoby all summer, so finally landing him would be a dream come true for the organization.

Anunoby would be a perfect piece for them to pair with Tyrese Haliburton. Not only would he drastically improve the Pacers’ defensive outlook, but offensively, Anunoby could have a chance to breakout, as he’d undoubtedly be given a larger offensive role than the one he currently has with the Toronto Raptors.

Giving up Brown is tough, and losing the two future first-round picks in the deal would be a massive risk. Who knows how good the Pacers will be by the time those picks convey?

However, with Anunoby being just 26 years old, the Pacers would form a new-look core of him, Haliburton, and Myles Turner moving forward. If all three continue to improve, Indiana would likely find themselves in the playoff mix sooner rather than later.

Grade: B+

Potential starting lineup: Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield, OG Anunoby, Jarace Walker, Myles Turner