The Indiana Pacers have become the most talked about team in NBA rumors as of late. Between the on-court feud between Goga Bitadze and an assistant coach and the report about head coach Nate Bjorkgren being on the hot seat, there’s a lot to unpack.
In a report by Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, he mentioned how Warren ‘requested a trade’ after learning of the Pacers hiring Nate Bjorkgren as he had ‘no interest’ in playing for him. This is significant information when considering Warren played under Bjorkgren during their mutual time with the Phoenix Suns but was never consulted during the hiring process.
“There is a belief among several members of the Pacers organization Warren requested a trade upon learning of Bjorkgren’s hire and has no interest in playing for Bjorkgren.”
READ MORE: This Pacers-Hornets offseason trade sends Gordon Hayward to Indiana
Warren initially tweeted “There’s a lot of nonsense on this app today…” He later replied directly to Fisher’s report after the correction was made – stating “Don’t use me to push false narratives.”
A source high up in the Pacers front office did tell NBA Analysis Network that the information regarding Warren requesting a trade was untrue. To be clear, much of the information Fischer reported on is known to be accurate by our sources, but an outright trade request by Warren doesn’t appear to have been made.
READ MORE: NBA Rumors: Mike D’Antoni likely to be next Pacers head coach if Nate Bjorkgren is fired
Regardless, there’s a lot going on in Indiana that will need to resolved in the offseason. Between a potential head coaching change and roster reconfiguration, there’s a lot needed for whoever will be running the team to unpack. Among them will be TJ Warren’s future with the organization as he will be entering the final year of his current contract – making him an unrestricted free agent in 2022.
The Indiana Pacers certainly will be among the top teams to watch in NBA trade rumors during the offseason. Between Myles Turner, Domantas Sabonis, Malcolm Brogdon, and TJ Warren, there’s plenty of intriguing talents that could help a more win-now team.