This year's trade deadline is just a few weeks away, and the Indiana Pacers may be active in the market one way or another. Earlier in the year, a trade of some sort seemed like a foregone conclusion. However, the Pacers have turned things around and now look poised for another deep playoff run.
All things considered, it likely makes the most sense for the Pacers to stand pat as much as possible. The roster they have built is talented as is, and there are reasons to believe they could legitimately compete for a title as soon as this year. Messing with their chemistry during the season may not be in their best interest. However, the Pacers have an opportunity to figure things out this year before they find themselves in a less-than-ideal situation in the future.
The Pacers could make trades to maximize their value
There are a few players on the team who are potential trade candidates (most notably names like Obi Toppin, Andrew Nembhard, and Aaron Nesmith). However, there are also a few different players who seemingly shed this label--Myles Turner and Bennedict Mathurin.
Heading into the season, it was undetermined what the futures held for Turner and Mathurin and whether they would be with Indiana. Halfway through the campaign, both players have established themselves as long-term assets who are essential to the Pacers' success. However, that means both of them are in line for a big payday this summer.
Turner will hit unrestricted free agency in the offseason, but it seems incredibly likely he will re-sign with the Pacers. Furthermore, Mathurin is eligible for a contract extension in the offseason, and there are no reasons to believe the two sides will not work on a new deal as soon as they can. With the Pacers already projected to be one of the league's most expensive teams in the next few years, it is essential that they take advantage of maximizing their returns in a trade if possible.
The Pacers can shed some salary and trade away players who may not be part of the team's long-term plans. However, it is also important that the Pacers do not make the mistake of trading any player strictly for salary cap relief. Selling high on a player (most likely Toppin) could make a lot of sense for Indiana, but only if they get legitimate value in return (draft picks, bench specialists, etc.).
Regardless of what happens, the Pacers are in a good spot. Whether they have what it takes to repeat their playoff run from last season is something to keep an eye on.