Some NBA teams are title contenders. Others are rebuilding. Yet, others still are somewhere in-between. Perhaps their best player is young, but they’ve got veterans around him. We’re thinking of teams that will win about 35 games. They’re not in title contention, but they’re hoping to be there soon.
The Indiana Pacers may best embody that situation. Tyrese Haliburton is a young, budding superstar. The Pacers have other intriguing young players. Yet, with Myles Turner and Buddy Hield on the roster, it’s hard to say that they’re rebuilding.
By contrast, the Detroit Pistons are definitely rebuilding. With that said, they do have solid veterans on the roster. Bojan Bogdanovic would be the most notable one. Could the Pistons send him to the Pacers this summer?
The Trade Proposal
Detroit Pistons Receive: F/C Daniel Theis, G T.J. McConnell, F/C Jalen Smith, 2024 First-Round Pick (IND)
Indiana Pacers Receive: F Bojan Bogdanovic
By contrast, some would say in-between is the worst place a team could be. It’s not hard to make that case. Teams in the middle run the risk of landing on the “mediocrity treadmill”. What do we mean by that?
It means that they’re not bad enough to land top lottery picks, and they’re not good enough to win a title. To be sure, plenty of teams have fallen victim to this pattern.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic, Indiana Pacers & Detroit Pistons Updates
On the other hand, there are multiple ways out. The draft isn’t the only talent pool. Sometimes, a team can be solidly competitive for a long time before taking the next step through free agency or making a big trade. Is this the right trade for the Pacers?
Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal
Well, the Pacers seem intent on making an upgrade at the 4. After all, this team acquired Obi Toppin already this summer. Recently, they’ve been linked to Pascal Siakam. Should they go for the bigger fish?
It’s a difficult call. Acquiring Siakam would force Indiana to send out Buddy Hield to make the contract match. He’ll also command a price of several first-round picks. The Pacers aren’t necessarily in a position to pay that price.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic, Indiana Pacers & Detroit Pistons Updates
By contrast, Bogdanovic could potentially be had for one pick. The Pacers could also keep Hield in acquiring him. If they want to add an elite floor spacer who can create his own shot at the 4, this is the right deal for Indiana. Can we say the same for the Pistons?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
When the Pistons acquired Bogdanovic in the first place, it raised eyebrows. Why is this rebuilding team committing cap space to a veteran? Well, perhaps they felt that they were done rebuilding. Fair enough. If Cade Cunningham hadn’t gotten injured last season, we don’t know where the Pistons would have landed.
On the other hand, they were the worst team in the NBA last season. Can we confidently say that a sophomore point guard would have added a significant number of wins? Broadly speaking, this Pistons team doesn’t look ready to take the next step.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic, Indiana Pacers & Detroit Pistons Updates
With that in mind, they might as well load up on future assets. That’s what they’re doing here. Smith is a floor-spacing big that they don’t currently have. Throw in a first-round pick, and this deal makes sense for Detroit. It could help them contend – eventually.
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