Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal 

This is a bold move for the Pacers. This organization is supposed to be focused on the future. If they made this deal, they’d be shifting gears entirely. 

At the same time, picture Jimmy Butler on this team. Are you seeing what we’re seeing? We see a team with a real shot at making a deep playoff run. 

The Pacers project as a good fit for Butler. With Myles Turner in the middle, they’ve got the spacing to compensate for Butler’s limitations in that area. Given how much else he brings to the table, that ought to work for both sides. 

After all, pairing a player with Butler’s ability to create shots with a point guard with Tyrese Haliburton’s vision sounds like a recipe for success.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jimmy Butler, Indiana Pacers & Miami Heat Updates 

All told, this would surprise a lot of people, but a 12-7 team making a win-now move is actually perfectly sensible. 

The Pacers just happen to be ahead of schedule.