The Indiana Pacers may be a rebuilding NBA team, but let’s be clear: the Indiana Pacers do not like rebuilding. 

You don’t have to take our word for it. Team president Kevin Pritchard is on record as having said it himself. The Pacers would prefer to retool and stay competitive at the expense of potentially landing elite prospects through the draft. 

By contrast, the Oklahoma City Thunder do not appear to be opposed to a rebuild. In fact, they may cherish the opportunity to mold this roster from scratch.

No team in NBA history has amassed as much draft capital as they currently possess. 

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder & Indiana Pacers Updates

Accordingly, the Thunder have taken a long view. They’ve got championship aspirations, but they don’t expect to be serious contenders for years to come. That’s fine for the organization, but one wonders if it’s a tough sell for the players. 

In the event that star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is tired of waiting, here’s a deal that sends him to the Pacers.