3 Daniel Theis-Clippers trades for Pacers based on latest rumor
By Jack Simone
The Indiana Pacers have not been using Daniel Theis this season. The German veteran is fresh off a win at the FIBA World Cup this summer, and now, the LA Clippers are interested.
According to a report from Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Clippers are showing an interest in Theis following the injury to Mason Plumlee that could keep him out for as long as two months.
Sources: Clippers center Mason Plumlee is expected to be sidelined as much as two months with MCL sprain in knee — and one veteran center LA is showing interest in as team evaluates external move or standing pat. pic.twitter.com/JU9vecmlyE
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 9, 2023
The big man hasn’t been a part of the Pacers’ rotation, as head coach Rick Carlisle has been prioritizing Jalen Smith and Isaiah Jackson off the bench behind Myles Turner. Theis hasn't been happy with his lack of minutes, as he expressed while chatting with Brian Robb of MassLive.
With the Clippers showing interest and Theis unhappy, let’s take a look at some potential trades the two sides could work out that would send the big man to the West Coast.
Trade #1 - Salary-filler and a second
This is the most likely of the three deals, as the LA Clippers would keep their depth in tact and the Indiana Pacers would be getting pocket change for a guy they barely use.
Pacers receive: Mason Plumlee, Amir Coffey, Brandon Boston Jr., Second-round pick
Clippers receive: Daniel Theis
Mason Plumlee can still be traded, so long as the Pacers accept the fact that he is injured. And since he’s on an expiring deal, they could either buy him out or let him rehab in Indiana for the year and walk in free agency.
Amir Coffey and Brandon Boston Jr. are both still young, but neither has shown much during their time in the league. That said, if the Pacers wanted to take a chance on them, they’re both interesting enough prospects to make it worth their while.
The Clippers have a few second-rounders they could throw into this deal, including the Toronto Raptors’ 2024 second and their second-rounders in 2025, 2028, 2029, and 2030. Indiana would probably want a pick as far out as possible to try and maximize its value.