Every team in the NBA has a salary sheet. There is a salary cap that dictates their decision-making. If a team muddies up their books with bad contracts, it will limit their ability to improve moving forward.
With that in mind, expiring contracts can be appealing trade chips. A team may acquire a player just so they can watch their deal come off of the books. The Indiana Pacers may be looking for a trade partner who wants to cut costs at this year’s deadline. It’s been reported that Buddy Hield is on the block.
At the same time, a team may take on a questionable contract if it’s attached to a good player. In the end, talent comes first.
Could the Pacers put that principle to use by flipping Hield for Jerami Grant of the Portland Trail Blazers?
NBA Trade Proposal: Indiana Pacers Land Portland Trail Blazers’ Jerami Grant
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: G/F Buddy Hield, G T.J. McConnell, 2024 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – IND)
Indiana Pacers Receive: F Jerami Grant
With that said, different teams have different organizing principles regarding spending. A team needs to look at the position that they’re in. They may be more willing to spend if they think they’ve got a competitive team.
Unfortunately, circumstances can change. A team may commit to a player, thinking they have a competitive group. In the end, something can happen that suddenly makes you less competitive.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers, Indiana Pacers Updates
That’s exactly what happened to the Blazers. When they extended Jerami Grant this summer, they thought Damian Lillard would be on their roster. Lillard would request a trade. Now, the Blazers are stuck footing the bill.
Should the Pacers be willing to pay Grant?
Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal
Recently, the Pacers suffered a blow. Tyrese Haliburton is injured. As of this writing, we don’t know how serious that injury is. Hopefully, Haliburton will be back on the floor soon.
That’s not entirely relevant here. If Haliburton is out for the year, the Pacers will feel his absence. That’s why this pick is lottery-protected. The Pacers are protecting themselves against disaster.
In the meantime, there’s always next year. The Pacers have been missing a versatile defensive wing like Grant. They could replace (to some extent) Hield’s movement shooting this summer.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers, Indiana Pacers Updates
Having added Grant, they could be dark horse title contenders in 2024-25. Should the Blazers help them get there?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
By contrast, the Blazers likely won’t be competitive next season. This team’s future is bright, but it will take some time for this young core to figure it out.
With that in mind, moving Grant has its benefits. Portland should get him off of their books if at all possible. Here, they’re picking up an expiring contract in return for Grant.
Meanwhile, McConnell has an extra year on his deal. That’s fine. He’s a solid veteran mentor for this guard-heavy young team, and his deal is inconsequential.
Finally, if this deal happens, Blazers fans should cross their fingers for Haliburton’s speedy return. In that event, the Pacers’ pick will surely land outside the lottery.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers, Indiana Pacers Updates
Given Grant’s contract, landing a first-round pick for him would be an excellent result. After all, he’ll be on the Pacers’ books for years.
