The Indiana Pacers are set for a big-time comeback season next year, once Tyrese Haliburton returns from his injury. And as teams fight over a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade this summer, the Pacers should be ready to pounce. Because once the Milwaukee Bucks make the eventual Antetokounmpo deal, they could look to trade other pieces, too. That’s where Indiana could swoop in and try to steal AJ Green.
Green’s three-point shooting could help give the Pacers a huge boost on the offensive end. And he’s not on a bad contract, either. He could be an ideal piece for the Pacers to target in the midst of the fallout from the Antetokounmpo trade, whenever that may be.
Indiana and Milwaukee may not love each other right now, as the two sides have had quite the rivalry, but the Antetokounmpo trade sweepstakes could actually help the Pacers.
Giannis Antetokounmpo trade could open up chance for Pacers to target AJ Green
The Pacers have already made most of their big moves. First, there was Haliburton. They knew they had a guy who could help lead them deep into the playoffs.
Then, they traded for Pascal Siakam. He’s been great. And then, at the trade deadline this season, the Pacers traded for big man Ivica Zubac, who should be a perfect center alongside Haliburton. He’ll be great on defense and in the pick-and-roll.
Now, the Pacers could look to improve their depth. They already have great depth pieces, but adding even more three-point shooting to their bench could be ideal.
Right now, the Pacers’ projected starting lineup heading into next season probably looks like Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Siakam, and Zubac.
That means, they will have TJ McConnell, Obi Toppin, Ben Sheppard, Jarace Walker, Jay Huff, and Micah Potter off the bench. It’s a very solid depth group, but Indiana could use some extra spacing.
Green would bring that to the lineup. This past season, he appeared in 78 games (68 starts) and played a career-high 29.1 minutes per contest. He averaged 10.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists while shooting 42.4% from the field and 41.9% from deep range on 7.1 three-point attempts per contest.
That type of three-point shooting would be a perfect fit next to the high-powered offense the Pacers already employ.
Indiana would obviously have to give up some decent value in order to bring Green on board, but he seems like the exact type of player who could help them off their bench.
Add us as a preferred source on Google