The Indiana Pacers don’t have cap space to help improve their team. Re-signing Pascal Siakam pretty much made that impossible because they gave him a max contract. Once that happened, they also decided to bring back Obi Toppin because that was the easiest way to bring back talent.
That means that the only meaningful way in which Indiana can improve the roster is to make some trades. They clearly are trying to win now, which is the right move for them. After making the Eastern Conference Finals, the only logical way to proceed is to try to keep getting better.
In order to make a trade, they have to have some players who other teams covet. The good news is that they have two young players who are well-liked around the rest of the league. Both Bennedict Mathurin and Jarace Walker were lottery picks and still have a ton of talent.
Despite there being interest around the league in both of those players, it would be wise for Indiana to keep their young guys. Not only do the Pacers not have cap space this offseason anymore, but they won’t next year either. There aren’t many ways to improve the team except to trade those guys.
The Pacers should hold on to both of those players and see if more valuable players might become available in the next couple of seasons. Also, they should be too good to be in a position for a lottery pick next year so it will be hard to acquire young players who can make an impact.
Mathurin has already shown some ability to be an impact player. His injury last year cut things short, but it could make him a better player in the long run. Walker hasn’t had enough playing time to really show us what his ceiling is. That needs to be figured out.
Indiana should wait until a player who will make a true impact becomes available before they decide to part ways with their young pieces.
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Publish date : 2024-07-02 12:00:06
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