The Indiana Pacers became the focus of NBA rumors when a report was published from Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer about the dysfunction of first year head coach Nate Bjorkgren’s tenure.
According to J. Michael of the Indianapolis Star, TJ Warren ‘doesn’t want to go anywhere’ and he’s satisfied with being the main option on the Pacers. Entering the final year of his contract in 2021-22, he is set to be paid substantially and feels as though that can happen in Indiana.
In Fischer’s report, he noted how that several members of the Pacers organization hold a belief that Warren requested a trade from the team after hearing the news about Bjorkgren being hired. Warren was noted as having ‘no interest’ in playing for Indiana’s new coach.
“There is a belief among several members of the Pacers organization that Warren requested a trade upon learning of Bjorkgren’s hire and has no interest in playing for Bjorkgren.
READ MORE: NBA Trade Rumors: 3 teams who could consider trading for TJ Warren in the offseason
Fischer did mention how Warren is ‘looking forward to rejoining the Pacers’ for the 2021-22 season. He has been able to rehabilitate in North Carolina – away from Bjorkgren, who is likely to be fired after this current NBA season.
“Warren’s season-ending surgery after suffering a foot injury in late December has provided a natural buffer between him and Bjorkgren, as Warren rehabilitates on schedule in North Carolina. A source with knowledge of Warren’s thinking told Bleacher Report that he is looking forward to rejoining the Pacers for the 2021-22 season.”
The Pacers will have plenty of tough decisions to make regardless of who wants to stay or leave. They have become a truly mediocre team with an above-the-cap payroll and no prime draft assets or cap space to be able to make much for meaningful changes that impact winning.
