The Indiana Pacers didn’t pull off a big move during the 2022 NBA Draft like some people thought that they would. There were some rumors of them attempting to move up in the draft, but nothing came to fruition as they kept the No. 6 overall pick and used it on Arizona guard Bennedict Mathurin.
In free agency, the Pacers have been relatively quiet as well. They did re-sign Jalen Smith, who played well for them following a deadline trade from the Phoenix Suns. One of their veterans is also on the move.
Indiana traded guard Malcolm Brogdon to the Boston Celtics for Aaron Nesmith, Daniel Theis, Malik Fitts, Nik Stauskas and Juwan Morgan while also acquiring a 2023 first-round pick. Nesmith provides some intrigue with his 3-point shooting and is young enough to fit their timeline. Theis could reportedly be on the move at some point again.
The first-round pick is what Indiana was really after and they will consider that deal a win, extracting one in exchange for Brogdon. Even if it ends up being in the late 20s, it will still provide value.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Celtics-Pacers Trade Sends Malcolm Brogdon To Boston
Attention is once again going to now turn to their center, Myles Turner. Turner has seemingly been on the trade block for years. He is someone that seemed destined to be traded ahead of the deadline before a foot injury sidelined him and sapped his trade value.
There have been mixed reports about what Indiana would do with Turner this offseason. It sounded like they would ride things out, as he wants to play out the final season of his contract. However, Adrian Wojnarowski is now hearing differently.
According to Woj, the Pacers are engaged once again on Turner as they are clearly moving into a full-on rebuild.
This has always felt like the route that the Indiana Pacers would take. With no guarantees of an extension being worked out, there isn’t much incentive to keep Turner around. He already has value given his skill set as a rim protector and capable 3-point shooter and being on an expiring deal should expand his market even more.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Celtics-Pacers Trade Sends Malcolm Brogdon To Boston
The Toronto Raptors and Charlotte Hornets are two teams to keep an eye on as they could use some help in the middle. The Phoenix Suns are another, as Deandre Ayton remains available and could be a sign-and-trade option for the Pacers in a deal including Myles Turner.
