Back towards the top of the Eastern Conference standings, the Indiana Pacers could make a move or two ahead of this year's trade deadline. In doing so, the Pacers could receive a boost in the second half of the season as they aim to repeat and improve upon their conference finals run from last year.
While nothing is imminent, the Pacers have appeared in some trade rumors this season. Most notably, they are reportedly pursuing Brooklyn Nets forward Cam Johnson. Whether this is the right call or not remains to be seen, but it is still noteworthy even if Johnson goes elsewhere since it indicates that the Pacers are looking to contend as soon as this year.
Though Johnson is the only name officially linked to the Pacers, there are other talented players around the league who could make sense for the team to trade for. This includes New Orleans Pelicans star Brandon Ingram, who is another trade candidate.
Eddie Bitar of Fadeaway World recently mocked up a trade that sees Ingram land in Indiana. While the trade could make sense, there is also a major risk factor involved that the Pacers may be better off avoiding.
Pacers land Brandon Ingram in this mock trade
Bitar's trade proposal is nothing too crazy. In his mock trade, he suggests that the Pacers will move on from Myles Turner and Aaron Nesmith in exchange for Ingram. Right now, Ingram is arguably the best player in this trade. Additionally, he would provide a major scoring boost, making the Pacers' already elite offense even better. However, trading Nesmith and Turner in this deal is a tough blow for multiple reasons.
Turner is an impending free agent, so in theory, trading him for some value in return as opposed to potentially losing him in the offseason for nothing makes sense. However, at this stage, there are no reasons to believe the Texas native will leave Indiana in free agency. Furthermore, he is an integral part of this Pacers team and is a fan favorite. Turner is a fantastic frontcourt partner next to Pascal Siakam, and he has a skillset many teams dream their big men had.
As for Nesmith, he is on a very team-friendly deal and is the Pacers' best wing defender. While he is not necessarily untouchable, he is pretty close to it. He was absent for over two months because of an ankle injury from November to January. Though Bennedict Mathurin looked great in his increased opportunity, Nesmith's absence was evident. Trading him for Ingram, who is also an impending free agent, could make sense on paper, but is risky.
From New Orleans' perspective, this trade could make a lot of sense. They move on from Ingram, who may not be in the team's long-term plans, and they land a fantastic 3-and-D player in Nesmith and a great stretch big (who would likely excel alongside Zion Williamson ) in Turner.
This trade makes a ton of sense for the Pelicans, although they are giving up a former All-Star and perennial 20-point-per-game scorer. For the Pacers, while there is some upside here, they are likely better off standing pat.
Trade grades
Indiana Pacers: C+
New Orleans Pelicans: B+