The Indiana Pacers and Atlanta Hawks almost made a blockbuster trade at the 2023 trade deadline, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.
The Pacers explored the concept of sending Chris Duarte and draft capital to the Hawks for De’Andre Hunter.
Indiana could be busy this offseason as it attempts to improve the roster around All-Star Tyrese Haliburton.
“Down the draft board, rival teams continue to mention the Pacers’ interest in packaging picks Nos. 26, 29 and 32 to move higher into the first round, or land additional talent,” Fischer wrote. “Indiana also holds the No. 7 pick, where the Pacers, long in pursuit of a starting power forward, are widely believed to value Houston forward Jarace Walker or UCF forward Taylor Hendricks at that spot. Indiana explored trade scenarios for OG Anunoby and the concept of sending Chris Duarte plus draft capital to Atlanta for De’Andre Hunter during February’s trade deadline, sources told Yahoo Sports. The Pacers are expected to be one team in the mix for restricted free agent Grant Williams as well.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Chris Duarte, Indiana Pacers, De’Andre Hunter & Atlanta Hawks Updates
The Pacers won only 35 games this past season. However, they have a bright future with Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin leading the way.
It will be fascinating to see if Indiana is able to get more win-now talent this offseason.
Haliburton is one of the best players in the NBA. The 23-year-old averaged 20.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists this past season while shooting 49.0% from the field, 40.0% from beyond the arc, and 87.1% from the free-throw line. Haliburton recorded 32 double-doubles in 56 games.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Chris Duarte, Indiana Pacers, De’Andre Hunter & Atlanta Hawks Updates
The best player on the Pacers, Haliburton is set to become extension-eligible this offseason. Yossi Gozlan of HoopsHype has more details:
“Haliburton is Indiana’s franchise player and he will likely be treated as such with a maximum contract offer. He is eligible to extend with the Pacers for up to five years, projected at $204 million. He could also receive provisions on his deal to receive a higher maximum salary, up to five years, projected at $244.8 million, if he meets the criteria like earning All-NBA honors next season.”
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