5 Moves Pacers should make after trading for Pascal Siakam
By Tyler Watts
3. Trade Buddy Hield to open minutes for young talent
The Pacers were rumored to be shopping Hield (subscription required) before the Siakam trade went down. Indiana has plenty of young wing talent, and they failed to reach an extension with Hield before the start of the regular season. The 31-year-old sharpshooter is expected to become a free agent this summer and wants more than the Pacers are willing to offer.
Bennedict Mathurin, Aaron Nesmith, Andrew Nembhard, and Jarace Walker are all hungry for more playing time, and they are the Pacers' future. Each is 24 years old or younger and figures to be a crucial piece of their core as they try to build around Tyrese Haliburton and Siakam.
Indiana still has a first-round draft pick to pair with Hield to improve their return. The Pacers filled their need at the four, but they must improve their defense to become true title contenders. Can they use Hield’s $19.2 million expiring salary with a first-round pick to get another piece? Kevin Pritchard and the front office should certainly explore the market.
Having two stars on their roster may change how players view the Indiana Pacers. They may not be a free-agent destination, but the franchise could find a key veteran to fill one of their open spots.