5 best trade packages the Pacers can acquire for Buddy Hield
By Tyler Watts
4. Pacers solve defensive woes with Rick Carlisle favorite
Indiana sits 27th in defensive rating and is giving up 119.5 points per 100 possessions. They cannot contend for a championship being near the bottom in that category. The Pacers have the top offensive rating in the league, but that is not enough to make up for their defensive woes. Pascal Siakam should help, but he cannot do it by himself.
Indiana could target a 3-and-D wing, and one head coach Rick Carlisle knows well is rumored to be available. Dorian Finney-Smith started his career in Dallas and blossomed into an elite shooter under Carlisle. The two could reunite with this deal.
DFS to Pacers
Brooklyn reportedly wants multiple first-round draft picks for Finney-Smith, but no team has offered it. Every contender wants 3-and-D wings, but two firsts is a hefty price for any non-star player. Doe-Doe can space the floor and defend multiple positions but does not score enough to command that price.
The Nets can flip Buddy Hield for a couple of second-round draft picks or keep the sharpshooter on their roster. They are loaded with wings and likely try to move him for the best offer. Brooklyn may say no, but this is likely one of the strongest inquiries they get for Finney-Smith before Feb. 8.