5 Moves Pacers should make after trading for Pascal Siakam
By Tyler Watts
4. Trade T.J. McConnell
McConnell has been mentioned in trade rumors for months. He started the year on the fringes of the rotation, but Haliburton's injury has given him a consistent role. The veteran is a strong floor general who could help a contender if the Pacers decide to move on.
McConnell is owed $8.7 million this season with $5 million guaranteed for 2024-25. Andrew Nembhard was coach Carlisle’s preferred backup to Haliburton to begin the year, and the 23-year-old is still getting better. The Pacers cannot afford to pay their third-string point guard $9.3 million next season, and the franchise should look try to trade McConnell before the deadline.
Indiana has several crucial roster decisions to make in the coming months. Are they willing to pay the luxury tax to keep Siakam and Buddy Hield in Indy? If not, how can they get enough talent to become serious contenders to win the Eastern Conference? Clearing McConnell’s salary helps, but the Pacers should not expect a massive return.
The Indiana Pacers could package McConnell with Buddy Hield or another contract and look to go all-in on a third star or they may choose to trade him with draft capital for a rotation piece. It is all about putting the best possible roster around Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam.