The direction that the Indiana Pacers take ahead of the NBA trade deadline will be determined in the next few weeks. They have outperformed expectations thus far with a 15-15 record and currently sitting in eighth place in the Eastern Conference. They have been as many as four games above the .500 mark this season, so they are experiencing a bit of a valley after some early season peaks.
If they continue on this path, Indiana could switch up their plans coming into the season. Many presumed that they would be sellers, looking to trade the remaining veterans on the roster to continue rebuilding and stocking up future assets. But, if a playoff spot is within reach, ownership may have a different idea.
Given their current standing, it would be unrealistic to expect the Pacers to go all-in on the move like the Atlanta Hawks, Minnesota Timberwolves, or Cleveland Cavaliers did in the offseason acquiring Dejounte Murray, Rudy Gobert, and Donovan Mitchell. Instead, they could look for younger players with upside and a change of scenery.
One player who would fit that bill is Cam Reddish of the New York Knicks. Reddish was the No. 10 overall pick by the Hawks in the 2019 NBA Draft. He could not find his footing during his time there, but his performance in the 2021 NBA Postseason against the Milwaukee Bucks flashed his potential.
He requested a trade from the Hawks to a situation that would provide him with more playing time and was traded to New York last season. He has not yet found that larger role with the Knicks and could be on the move again.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Cam Reddish, New York Knicks & Indiana Pacers Updates
If there is one thing that the Pacers are missing from their recent retooling, it is a long-term answer on the wing. The backcourt looks set for years to come with Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin. In the frontcourt, there are Jalen Smith and Isaiah Jackson. 2021 first-round pick Chris Duarte has taken a step back in his second season and is already 25.
Reddish turned 23 in September and showcased some of that tantalizing ability with the Knicks this season. He is a versatile defender, capable of matching up with multiple positions, given his combination of size, length, and athleticism. That elite 3-and-D potential is there, but Reddish is already adept at breaking down his defender and getting to the rim, and finishing.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Cam Reddish, New York Knicks & Indiana Pacers Updates
The biggest issue that faces Reddish at this point is an inconsistent motor. If a head coach can figure out how to get him to stay engaged at all times, there is a lot of talent to work with. A more consistent role could help unlock that, as the Pacers can find a lot more minutes for Reddish than the Knicks have been able to.
