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Time for the Pacers to trade Roy Hibbert.

By Pierre Wilson

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With the NBA trade deadline quickly approaching (Thursday at 3 p.m.), I think it’s time the Indiana Pacers trade Roy Hibbert.

Hibbert has had his ups & downs in Indiana these past seven years, with mostly downs as of late. Roy has averaged 11 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks for his NBA career, which isn’t bad. Unfortunately for the Pacers, the dollars don’t match the stats.

Being a small market team, in a cold weather state like Indiana, it can be hard for the Pacers to compete in free agency. This means the franchise must build through the draft, or through trade, and hope a player wants to stay in Indiana.

Most players love Indy once they get settled in, but the Pacers top brass often find themselves having to overpay to keep their own, and stay competitive … this was the case with Roy Hibbert.

In 2012 the Portland Trail Blazers offered Hibbert a four-year, $58 million max contract, one the Pacers had to match.

After a couple All-Star berths, and defensive player of the year runner-up recognition in 2014, the contract appeared to be fine. However, the high & lows have continued for Hibbert, putting the Pacers in a tough spot.

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“Double Nickel” still has nights reminding you of his all-star potential, but more often than not he has nights where you’re screaming at the television, ” You’re 7’2″ dunk the ball!”, “You’re 7’2″, how do you have one rebound?!”. You get the picture.

Hibbert has a player option this offseason to the tone of $15.5 million, that will likely be picked up. But $15.5 million for 12 points and seven rebounds a game. That contract puts Hibbert in the top 25 of salaries in the NBA.

Though bigger franchises could get away with that production/cost, the Pacers need to find a way to get more bang for their buck. I’m confident Lavoy Allen could put up 12 points and seven rebounds with Hibbert’s minutes.

Yes I’m aware Hibbert brings a defensive presence that the Pacers desperately need, but you can find that in Ian Mahinmi making only $4 million a year. You can find more consistency, and more mental toughness via trade, draft or free agency.

With only one year left on his deal, the time is now to move Roy Hibbert. A change of scenery could do Roy some good, and also give the Pacers some time to start meshing without the big man clogging up the middle … or the bench … with a towel on his head.

If Hibbert isn’t moved by the Thursday deadline, I expect the Pacers to move him this summer around draft time. Whatever the case, it’s time for the Pacers to trade Roy Hibbert.

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