The Indiana Pacers are in the market for a new forward. That much is obvious. In fact, they already landed one. This team acquired Obi Toppin from the New York Knicks this NBA offseason. Still, they seem to be intent on continuing to upgrade that part of their rotation.
After all, the Pacers are heavily linked to Pascal Siakam. In a short-term sense, he’d be a perfect fit for this roster. How does landing him impact their long-term outlook?
It could be problematic. Siakam will come at a high cost. The Pacers missed the playoffs this year – they may not be in a position to pay it. How about paying a lower price for Tobias Harris of the Philadelphia 76ers instead?
The Trade Proposal
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G/F Buddy Hield, F/C Daniel Theis, G T.J. McConnell, 2026 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – IND)
Indiana Pacers Receive: F Tobias Harris
Meanwhile, the Sixers might be in the market for a considerably harder player to replace this summer. James Harden wants a trade. The Sixers allegedly are hoping to talk him out of his request. So far, that doesn’t appear likely to happen.
How will the Sixers replace him? Frankly, they can’t. Harden is aging, and he’s not always reliable in the playoffs. At the same time, he remains one of the best playmakers in the NBA.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Tobias Harris, Philadelphia 76ers & Indiana Pacers Updates
If he leaves, the Sixers could have major issues. It’s been speculated that a Joel Embiid trade request could follow. Does this deal do enough to keep the band together?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
Frankly, we’re not sure. We do feel like it has the potential to make the Sixers a better team. That may feel counterintuitive to some. The Sixers are losing the best player in this deal. How is it going to improve them?
Well, the Sixers don’t make much use of Harris’ shot-creating abilities. They run their offense through Embiid and Harden. With that in mind, adding some depth to their rotation makes more sense than keeping Harris.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Tobias Harris, Philadelphia 76ers & Indiana Pacers Updates
On the other hand, supposing this isn’t enough to keep Harden in town, it could still benefit the team. The Sixers are getting a protected first in this deal for moving the best player in it. Should the Pacers give that up?
Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal
Well, it doesn’t seem like Indiana is being thrifty with their draft capital. After all, they’re supposedly in the market for Siakam. He’ll cost a handful of picks. By contrast, Harris is only costing them one – and it’s lottery protected.
Granted, it’s also costing them Hield. The Pacers will miss his elite movement shooting. On the other hand, the benefits of Harris’ frontcourt floor spacing should outweigh that loss.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Tobias Harris, Philadelphia 76ers & Indiana Pacers Updates
Meanwhile, the Pacers aren’t too stacked to offer Harris a suitable role. The offense will continue to run through Tyrese Haliburton, but after that, Harris may be their second option. That sounds like a forward worth acquiring.
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