Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal 

In theory, Toppin is exactly the player this team needs. 

The Pacers are lacking in athletic wing who can handle time at the 4. Jalen Smith tends to look better at the 5, and so does Isaiah Jackson. Oshae Brisstet, respectfully, is not a player teams would hesitate to upgrade. 

Toppin fits their needs perfectly. He should be a particularly interesting partner for Tyrese Haliburton. Toppin is apt at getting up the floor in transition, and Haliburton is apt at finding guys who do so. 

Of course, there’s a risk here. Duarte already has an obvious NBA role.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Obi Toppin, New York Knicks & Indiana Pacers Updates

By contrast, Toppin’s future is less clear. With that said, the Pacers would still be smart to gamble on his upside. 

Should the Knicks give up on it?