For a long time, the Western Conference was seen as the strongest conference in the NBA.
Simply put, it was. The NBA champion has largely come from the West, and for many years, most of the serious contenders have too. This year, that isn’t the case.
Just ask the Toronto Raptors. This is a good team with plenty of talent. At 14-18, you wouldn’t know it. The East is simply that good.
On the other hand, the Indiana Pacers are surviving it. At 16-16, this team has been surprisingly competitive this season.
Could they be a candidate for a win-now trade?
Here’s a deal that has them making one – and sending Buddy Hield to the Toronto Raptors in the process.