Indiana Pacers Receive: G Josh Richardson, C Zach Collins, 2024 First-Round Pick (Top 5 Protected – SAS)
San Antonio Spurs Receive: G Malcolm Brogdon
Here, the Indiana Pacers opt to acquire the most coveted asset of any rebuilding team: a first-round pick.
Granted, it’s top 5 protected. Brogdon is approaching 30 and unfortunately injury-prone: he probably doesn’t merit an unprotected selection. At the same time, the San Antonio Spurs will clearly be trying to compete into 2024 with this deal, so the pick will convey if they can help it.
Plus, Zach Collins is no mere throw-in. Injuries have also hampered the combo big’s career to date, but he’s still just 24. If he can get his body right, he could be a useful player for the Pacers moving forward.
The Spurs and the Pacers occupy a similar space in 2022. Neither if one of the league’s powerhouses, but they aren’t bottom feeders either. Both could equally justify a future focus, or leaning into the present.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Sign-And-Trade To Send Suns’ Deandre Ayton To Spurs
If the Pacers choose the former while the Spurs choose the latter, it would make perfect sense for Brogdon to land in San Antonio.