The Indiana Pacers could trade for Tobias Harris of the Philadelphia 76ers, De’Andre Hunter of the Atlanta Hawks or Dorian Finney-Smith of the Brooklyn Nets, according to NBA insider Jonathan Givony of ESPN.
The Pacers have the seventh overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
“The Pacers might be disappointed to see Jarace Walker selected two picks earlier, which could potentially prompt a trade-down for additional assets,” Givony wrote. “Analytics models suggest Taylor Hendricks is the superior power forward prospect of the two, and his combination of perimeter shooting and defensive intensity could still make him an attractive option on draft night. He’s cast a wide net, working out for everyone from Detroit at No. 5 to Oklahoma City at No. 12.
“The Pacers trading for a veteran such as Tobias Harris, De’Andre Hunter or Dorian Finney-Smith is an option that could be explored as well.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Indiana Pacers, Tobias Harris, De’Andre Hunter & Dorian Finney-Smith Updates
Indiana won 35 games this past season. The team needs more win-now players and veterans around guards Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin. Harris, Hunter and Finney-Smith are talented forwards who can shoot and defend, so it will be fascinating to see if the Pacers acquire one of them.
Surrounding Haliburton with more talent is extremely important since he’s one of the best young 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: Indiana Pacers, Tobias Harris, De’Andre Hunter & Dorian Finney-Smith 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.”
A Wisconsin native, Haliburton has committed to play for Team USA in the upcoming FIBA World Cup in the Philippines.
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