Rumors Abound as Pacers Look to Do More

Apr 28, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; (From left to right) Indiana Pacers general manager Donnie Walsh, owner Herb Simon, and president Larry Bird look on as the Pacers lose to the Atlanta Hawks in game five of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Atlanta defeats Indiana 107-97. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The Indiana Pacers have signed both Damjan Rudez and C.J. Miles this offseason, but they have been unable to lock Lance Stephenson up long-term. He is still expected to consider the Pacers’ offer and perhaps counter it, but at this point in time he is waiting to get more offers from other teams. Larry Bird isn’t waiting around for Stephenson to make up his mind, and has begun scouring the trade market in an attempt to improve the roster in a big way.

There have been rumors surrounding the Pacers pursuing Goran Dragic all afternoon, and that would be the type of move that would help the Pacers take the next step. Dragic is a true point guard who would take over for George Hill and help run Frank Vogel’s offense much smoother. He thrives in the pick-and-roll offense, and that is exactly what he would play with the Pacers.

All of that being said, everything that the Pacers do at this point in time hinges on Stephenson making a decision on where he wants to play next season. Bird is making it clear that he will not overpay for Stephenson, and that is the right decision. He is also making it clear that Indiana won’t wait around for Stephenson to make his decision on whether or not he wants to return, and will begin looking at other options immediately.

In an ideal world, the Pacers would be able to re-sign Stephenson for the same type of deal that they originally offered him. They definitely need him in the lineup to be the best team that they can be, but it is going to be very difficult for them to get him back. Once LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony sign new contracts, the teams that are currently pursuing them will start considering an offer to Stephenson.

Overall, this is going to be an interesting next few weeks for Pacers fans. Either the team will end up getting Stephenson back, or there will be another fairly substantial move to be made. While the Pacers are very happy with their signing of C.J. Miles, it is very unlikely that they view him as their starting shooting guard.