Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal 

For the Pacers, this is a simple trade-off. They’re giving up some floor spacing to get some defense. 

After all, Hunter is a solid 3-and-D wing. He may not be an elite movement shooter like Hield, but he’s still a threat from long-range. All told, this should improve the Pacers in 2023-24. 

Of course, it also has implications for their future. Hunter is 25, and Hield is 30. This deal has a rebuilding Pacers team getting younger. 

It’s also got them giving up a first-round pick. Some people will suggest that that’s an ill-advised decision for a rebuilding team. Perhaps, but the Pacers likely don’t intend on rebuilding for long.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: De’Andre Hunter, Atlanta Hawks & Indiana Pacers Updates

With a core of Turner, Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin, and an incoming 2023 lottery pick, they should be in a position to be competitive by the time this pick conveys. 

Should the Hawks covet the pick anyway?