Now that they are 20-18 and two games above .500 for the first time all season, it would be a major surprise if the Indiana Pacers make any sort of blockbuster deal ahead of next month's trade deadline. However, anything is possible in the NBA, and it is always fun diving into the hypotheticals in the basketball world and imagining how one move can change the entire landscape of the league. This is especially true with this new trade idea.
Anthony Pasciolla of SI.com mocked up a trade that would send six-time All-Star and former MVP candidate Jimmy Butler to Indiana. Recently, Butler requested a trade from the Miami Heat. Immediately, teams like the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns were named potential trade candidates for the 35-year-old.
At this point, the Pacers have not been linked to Butler in any capacity. However, Pasciolla's trade idea is still interesting to dive into, even if it is unlikely to happen.
Pacers land Jimmy Butler from the Heat in this mock trade
On paper, Butler would be an amazing acquisition for the Pacers. He has NBA Finals experience, something very few players on the current roster do. And, despite his age, he is still one of the best two-way players in the league who can take over a game at any moment. However, there are a few major problems with this trade.
First, the Pacers are giving up way too much in this deal. Technically, Butler is the best player in this trade, but the Pacers would be moving on from far too many valuable assets that can help the team now and in the future.
Second, Butler has a $52.4 million player option for next year that he is most likely going to decline. Trading four important pieces for a potential rental is a recipe for disaster.
The major selling point of this trade for the Pacers is that pairing Butler alongside Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam makes up a very intriguing "Big Three." Furthermore, the Pacers keep Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith in this deal, which is something to consider.
Ultimately, however, this trade makes virtually no sense for the Pacers. Myles Turner is likely going to re-sign with the Pacers this summer, and Bennedict Mathurin and Jarace Walker are finally starting to come into their own. Obi Toppin is a legitimate trade candidate, but by the sound of things, head coach Rick Carlisle is more interested in keeping him than moving him for salary relief or as part of a package.
As for Miami, this deal is a no-brainer. They already have little leverage in a potential Butler trade, and they are still a playoff team as it stands. Adding these four players for someone likely not in their future plans is a major steal for them.
While there is some upside to a deal like this for Indiana, it is pretty clear that this is way too risky and simply not a good idea.
Trade grades
Indiana Pacers: D
Miami Heat: A