Why the Pacers Should Do It
If Oladipo truly wants to be traded as reports suggest, it makes sense for Indiana to trade him while his value is higher than it would be midseason.
He is only under contract through the 2020-21 season, and the longer the Pacers hold on to him, theoretically the lower his trade value becomes.
This trade would give the Pacers Hayward in return, who of course is from Indiana and starred at Butler.
But the franchise-altering aspect of this trade is the two first-round picks in return.
Currently, the Pacers don’t have a first round pick in the 2020 draft. This trade would give Indiana two first-rounders this year.
Seeing as Oladipo reportedly would welcome a trade, these picks would give Indiana the ability to rebuild through the draft and set the franchise up with young talent for years to come.