Worst Landing Spot: Indiana Pacers
One of the linked potential NBA free agency suitors for Jalen Brunson is the Indiana Pacers. While he’s a talented player, it makes little sense.
The Pacers made the surprising NBA trade deadline move to part with Domantas Sabonis by sending him to the Sacramento Kings and landed Tyrese Haliburton in the process. He’s the future. The Pacers need to focus on his development as a high usage threat.
Signing a player like Brunson would give the Pacers a backcourt partner that can apply pressure on the defense by getting downhill, but they already have one in Malcolm Brogdon, who is signed long-term.
For as much that gets made about how Brunson already has familiarity with Rick Carlisle, it’s important to consider that Carlisle showed a lack of trust in Brunson in the 2021 NBA playoffs. Why bother signing to play with a worse Pacers team to reunite?
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pacers Could Join Knicks, Pistons In Pursuit Of Mavericks’ Jalen Brunson
The Pacers need to focus on the development of Haliburton as well as other options like Chris Duarte and their 2021 first-round pick. Brunson could risk a limited ceiling in his role without the payoff of being able to play for a highly successful team.
