Indiana Pacers: What Changes Loom at the Trade Deadline?

The last calendar year has been quite frustrating for the Indiana Pacers and their fans. After starting last season at the top of the NBA, the Pacers began a downward spiral into the bottom of the league’s rankings. Not only did the Pacers lose Lance Stephenson to free agency last summer, they have also been riddled with constant injuries, including the loss of Paul George to a broken leg. With George returning to full health next season, it’s time for Indiana to look to the future. The upcoming trade deadline could provide some important moves that shape the future of the franchise.

The best scenario for Indiana would likely involve dealing veteran players like David West, Luis Scola, and Roy Hibbert. West and Scola are both on the back stretch of their respective careers and it’s beginning to show in their consistency. Each are in the last year of their contracts have little to offer on the court moving forward. Hibbert, on the other hand, is making a ridiculous amount of money in comparison to his on-court output. Roy Hibbert is making approximately $15 million/year; a trade to move him elsewhere could not only provide some relief to the Pacers’ already tight player-salary budget, but could bring in some much-needed young talent.

Other league vets like Rodney Stuckey and C.J. Watson could be very valuable to a team looking to make a push in the playoffs this year. The pairing of one of these players with a potentially high Pacers draft pick could allow Indiana to bring some young talent to grow alongside Paul George in the next era of basketball in Indianapolis.

Chris Copeland has seen his on-court minutes deplete with every passing game, which makes him available for trade. While Damjan Rudez has played inconsistently, it is clear that Vogel favors him over Copeland anyway. Copeland is a quality threat from behind the arc, and could add a much-needed dimension off of the bench for a playoff-caliber team.

With Larry Bird and company at the helm, big changes could be coming to Indiana in the very new future. Only a few names have been mentioned, but if the right offer comes along, it’s likely that Bird will make any moves that benefit the franchise in the long-term. The only thing left to do now, is wait.