With this year's NBA Trade Deadline now officially past us, it is time to look forward to the rest of the season and beyond. The Indiana Pacers only made one move, trading James Wiseman to the Toronto Raptors in a salary dump, and will hope to go into the playoffs and make another deep run with the roster they currently have.
There is still a lot of basketball remaining, but there is no reason to believe this current Pacers team can contend for a title as soon as this year. They were in the conference finals last season and look better this year in some areas. However, there is one truth that Pacers fans may have to process (whether it be a good or bad thing)--this roster will most likely look different next year.
The Pacers are currently just a few million dollars away from the tax and will inevitably cross that threshold next year, assuming they re-sign Myles Turner and extend Bennedict Mathurin. Naturally, with the team becoming more expensive, they may want to cut costs or simply move on from players who may no longer be needed.
Here are three notable Pacers who could be gone in the summer.
1. Obi Toppin
Ahead of this year's trade deadline, the Pacers' most likely trade candidate was Obi Toppin. Now in his second season in Indiana, Toppin has played amazing for the team and is playing an important role off the bench. However, because of his contract, he is arguably the most expendable player on the team.
Toppin's $14 million salary next season will be the fourth-most expensive on the team (this does not include Turner or Mathurin's potential deals). Additionally, trading him would make way for players like Jarace Walker to get a bigger opportunity.
There is no guarantee that Toppin will be on the move. However, if the Pacers are looking to clear up some cap room, he is most likely the first player they will consider trading.
2. Isaiah Jackson
After playing a pretty important role for the Pacers during their playoff run last season, hopes were high that Isaiah Jackson would have a breakout season, especially after Jalen Smith left to join the Chicago Bulls. Unfortunately, the Michigan native suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in November.
In the offseason, the Pacers chose not to sign Jackson to a rookie-scale contract extension. This means that he will be a free agent (though likely a restricted one) in the offseason. In theory, the Pacers can bring him back to the team without any risk of him leaving. However, after Jackson's injury and the arrival of Thomas Bryant, who has looked solid since joining the team, there is some doubt about his future in Indiana.
3. Thomas Bryant
Speaking of Bryant, he is another Pacer whose days could be numbered. Like Jackson, Bryant is also a free agent in the summer. The Pacers acquired him from the Miami Heat to be their primary backup center, and he has not disappointed for the most part. He brings great energy and fits into the system and his role very well. However, he is over four years older than Jackson and does not possess as much potential, which may not bode well for his Pacers future.
Ultimately, there is a good chance the Pacers choose not to bring back both Jackson and Bryant. They will most likely need to decide between one or the other. If the Pacers value Jackson's athleticism and potential more, then that could signal the end of Bryant's days with the team.