Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal 

Again – this deal would be a surprise on both ends. As a general rule, we don’t expect rebuilding teams to move first-round picks. Why would the Pacers break that rule? 

Well, the Pacers don’t operate like other rebuilding teams. Historically, they avoid longterm rebuilding processes. As a small-market club, they often prefer to remain competitive, even at the expense of (here comes that word again) their long-term potential. 

If the Pacers wish to continue with that tradition, this deal could make sense for them. For what it’s worth, there is talent in Indiana. This team isn’t primed to win a title, but adding Barrett to a core including Tyrese Haliburton, Myles Turner, Buddy Hield and others should get them back into the postseason in 2022-23. 

Most importantly, Barrett is still just 22. He’s comfortably young enough to grow with this squad.

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If the Pacers landed him, they could be competitive now, and if the players advance and gel properly, even more competitive later. 

With that said, what does this do for the Knicks?