Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal 

Of course, the Pacers are the opposite of the Knicks in that sense – they’re in one of the smallest markets in the NBA. Yet, somewhat paradoxically, that gives them similar operating principles. 

The Pacers have an incentive to remain respectable as well – not to attract free agents, but to maintain their fanbase. Small market teams are less able to afford fans losing interest in them during a rebuild. 

With that said: it’s time for the Pacers to rebuild. After all, they moved Domanas Sabonis for Tyrese Haliburton at last year’s deadline. It was a smart move, but it’s unlikely to be one that makes them better in 2022-23. 

Moreover, the 2023 draft is the right one to bottom out for. The Pacers should certainly be interested n a short-term downgrade in order to land an additional first-round pick: sooner than later, they may have Victor Wembenyama to show for it. 

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Buddy Hield, Indiana Pacers & New York Knicks Updates

Perhaps with some luck, the Pacers will be able to climb the stairs of progress more quickly than they’d thought.