The Indiana Pacers have the best offense in the NBA. Nobody saw this coming. They accomplished this goal by putting a dynamic playmaker in a system with five-out spacing. With Tyrese Haliburton leading the charge, the Pacers are hard to stop.
On the other hand, they aren’t likely to stop you either. The Pacers’ defense has been as weak as their offense has been strong. This is a playoff team, but they aren’t likely to make a deep run until they’re a two-way team.
Just ask the Golden State Warriors. They’ve built a dynasty on the back of two-way play. That said, they haven’t looked like that dynasty in 2023-24.
Could they send Jonathan Kuminga to the Pacers as a result?
NBA Trade Proposal: Indiana Pacers Land Golden State Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga
Golden State Warriors Receive: G/F Buddy Hield, G TJ McConnell, F/C Isaiah Jackson, 2025 First-Round Pick (IND)
Indiana Pacers Receive: G/F Andrew Wiggins, F Jonathan Kuminga
The Pacers play a very modern brand of basketball. In some respects, it resembles the Warriors’ model. Yet, it more closely resembles the style of basketball that the Warriors’ greatest Western Conference foe plays.
The Pacers look like the Harden-era Houston Rockets. They’re giving a dynamic primary ball handler an extreme amount of usage in a pick-and-spread system.
The most notable difference is that where the Rockets went small to achieve five-out spacing, the Pacers have a true stretch big in Myles Turner. Will that brand carry them to a title?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors, Indiana Pacers Updates
It didn’t go that way for the Rockets, but it may have if not for an ill-timed Chris Paul injury. Should the Pacers target raw young players like Kuminga while they’re this competitive?
Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal
It’s debatable. The Pacers are already struggling to find time for Jarace Walker. With that said, they need a 4 who can guard across positions. The Pacers could let Kuminga and Walker compete for the role, and trade the loser down the line.
Meanwhile, Kuminga isn’t the only player they’re receiving here. Wiggins has had a difficult season, but if he can round back into form, he’ll be a useful 3-and-D wing for this team. If he doesn’t, they’re still adding a young player with star potential in Kuminga.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors, Indiana Pacers Updates
Finally, Jackson hasn’t been a significant part of this team’s success this year. They’ll miss McConnell, but they can’t pass on a young player with star potential to keep a role player.
Should the Warriors move that young player?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
The reports around the Warriors and Kuminga are complicated. One moment, we’re hearing that Kuminga is trying to force his way out. The next minute, we’re reading that the Warriors consider him untouchable.
One thing is clear – this marriage is off to a rocky start. The Warriors may want to trade Kuminga before the situation gets worse. If it does, they could be looking at a formal trade request soon. In that event, Kuminga’s trade value will take a major hit.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors, Indiana Pacers Updates
Why not flip him for an expiring contract and a first-round pick? Meanwhile, Hield and McConnell are both valuable role players who could help the Warriors this season – even if they won’t lead them to the best offense in the NBA.
