Indiana Pacers Receive: G Kemba Walker, F Obi Toppin, DAL 2023 1st Round Pick (Top-10 Protected, via NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: G Caris LeVert
With the Indiana Pacers likely to look to do some kind of rebuilding at the deadline, the best place for them to start is by trading expendable pieces of their roster. Both Caris LeVert and Myles Turner are replaceable, which is why they are the two most likely players to be on the move for the Pacers.
Maybe Indiana does not need as many drastic changes made as it may appear, but they do need to start building a young core around Domantas Sabonis and Malcolm Brogdon. Chris Duarte and Isaiah Jackson could be the start of this core, but so could Obi Toppin.
New York drafted Toppin 8th overall in 2020 and while he held a minimal role during his rookie season, the 6’9” forward has really stepped up off-the-bench this season. He is averaging 8.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and shooting 54.1% from the floor, proving that he can become a key asset in time.
During Summer League this past offseason, Toppin was arguably one of the best talents in Las Vegas and his potential is still sky-high, even though he is an older prospect at 23-years-old. As for Kemba Walker, the Pacers may not have much use for him long-term, but T.J. McConnell could be out for the year.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: These 3 Should Pursue Trade For Pacers’ Caris LeVert
McConnell suffered a hand injury in early December and underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right hand. He is going to be in a cast for 10-12 weeks and even then, it could be too late for the Pacers to salvage anything of their season.
This team desperately needs another impactful guard next to and behind Brogdon in the depth chart, which is where Kemba Walker could fill a void for this team for the time being.
In New York, Julius Randle and R.J. Barrett are great talents, but they have not looked that way so far this season. Both player’s overall production and scoring numbers are way down compared to last season and combined they are averaging -7.8 points, -1.9 assists and shooting -8.5% less from the floor compared to last season.
This team desperately needs another weapon they can utilize for scoring purposes, which is why Caris LeVert could solve a lot of issues on the wing for this team. He can create for himself, score at the rim and open up more space for guys like Barrett and Randle to play downhill.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: These 3 Should Pursue Trade For Pacers’ Caris LeVert
New York has the assets available to make a big move at the trade deadline and they are going to need to do so if they are to make it back to the playoffs.
