Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal 

Some Pacers fans would reject this deal. At 15-15, they’ve been surprisingly competitive this season. 

At the same time, they’re slipping. The Pacers have been losing more often lately. It’s painfully clear that this team won’t be even remotely in the championship picture in 2022-23.

Meanwhile, the window to tank is closing, too. The league’s basement dwellers are far behind the Pacers. If they want to maximize their lottery odds, they’ll need to act quickly. 

This deal ought to help them do so. It also nets them an especially valuable pick swap – by 2027, this team is likely to be better than the Lakers. 

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Buddy Hield, Indiana Pacers & Los Angeles Lakers Updates

After all, they’re built around Tyrese Haliburton – an elite shooter and playmaker alike.