Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal

Typically, the Indiana Pacers prefer not to rebuild. As currently constructed, they may not have a choice.

After all, they just traded Domantas Sabonis to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Tyrese Haliburton at last year’s trade deadline. They ought to push all-in on their youth movement ahead of 2022-23.

From that perspective, this trade accomplishes two goals. It nets the Pacers a first-round pick. That’s the obvious objective here, as it should be for any rebuilding club.

With that said, it also clears up room for the young big men in Indiana’s rotation. Isaiah Jackson looked like a solid defensive big with great long-term potential in his 2021-22 rookie season.

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Meanwhile, the young Jalen Smith is poised to start at the 4, but the Pacers may want to give him some run at the 5 as well: After all, who knows if they’ll want to commit to a Twin Towers look in the long run?