While not the Indiana Pacers' most likely trade candidate, it would not be too much of a surprise to see Isaiah Jackson on the move this season, especially since he may ultimately be the team's third-string center. And given that he just signed a new deal worth $7 million per season, this is far from ideal.
In a recent episode of the "Locked On Pacers" podcast, Forbes' Tony East suggested that Jackson would likely become the team's third-best center if they acquire a new big man ahead of February's trade deadline. East says that, if this were to happen, the Michigan native would be considered a huge overpay, and his biggest value may ultimately be as a trade piece to match salaries.
"The way the season has gone for the Pacers, Jay Huff has emerged as the best center that they have of their trio ... The Pacers still need a starting center on their team. If they got a starting center, I would wager that Isaiah Jackson would be their third big, which was fine when he was on his rookie deal with Jalen Smith but is not as fine when he's making $7 million a season... That seems like a good fit for matching salary in trades," East said.
Isaiah Jackson needs to step it up
Jackson has been fine for the Pacers this season, but given that he was the team's opening night starting center, this is a bit of a problem.
Nobody expected it to happen right away, but Indiana was looking for Jackson to make a leap and prove that he can handle an expanded role and help the team replace Myles Turner, who joined the Milwaukee Bucks in the offseason. This was evident when they signed him to a new contract, even if some were questioning the decision at the time.
The Kentucky alum is playing decent basketball, averaging 7.8 points and 6 rebounds on 59.3% shooting in 18.8 minutes through 26 games. However, he still mostly looks like the same player he was before his Achilles injury (which is actually very impressive on its own, considering how much of his game relies on his athleticism), and that player is not worth $7 million per season.
On top of that, Jackson lost his starting job to Jay Huff and is likely not going to get it back anytime soon.
The 23-year-old is continuing to prove that maybe his ceiling in the NBA is being a backup big man on a playoff team, and that's not a bad thing. But considering that the Pacers are likely still looking to avoid the luxury tax and improve their center situation, this could make him more of a trade chip than a real long-term asset.
Is it a safe bet to say that Indiana will trade Jackson this season? Not at all, especially because he isn't even eligible to be moved until Jan. 15, which limits some possibilities. But is he an untouchable? Absolutely not.