Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal 

To some, this may not be an optimal deal for the Pacers. That’s due to the players currently on the roster as much as anything else. 

After all, Isaiah Jackson is a pretty similar player to Hayes. It may be difficult to find minutes for them both. With Jalen Smith also on this Pacers’ roster, aren’t they misallocating resources here? 

Perhaps. On the other hand, assembling a well-fitted roster shouldn’t be this team’s priority. They need to be acquiring as much young talent as possible. If Jackson and Hayes can’t co-exist, they’ll simply trade whichever one of the two is performing worse. 

With that said – perhaps they could co-exist. In 2021-22, Hayes spent the bulk of his time at the 4 with Zion Williamson absent.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Buddy Hield, Indiana Pacers & New Orleans Pelicans Updates

With dual big lineups coming back into fashion, the Pacers could try to replicate the success the Cavaliers had with Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley last season. 

What does this deal do for the Pelicans?