Pacers Trade Rumors: An 11th Hour Bidding War for Hibbert?

December 1, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert (55) is fouled on a scoring drive by Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Domino Effect

Before the Pacers agreed to trade Hibbert to the Lakers, the Dallas Mavericks had agreed to trade if they did not sign DeAndre Jordan. The Pacer’s trade agreement with the Lakers came after DeAndre Jordan agreed to go the Mavericks offer.

This led to Larry Bird accepting the Lakers offer. If the Mavericks had interest before Jordan their interest must be peaking now that there are even less 7-footers available five days later.

The Lakers offer for Hibbert was basically a salary dump on the Pacer’s behalf. Many questioned the Laker’s front office for making the deal, but there were two important factors involved. The Lakers needed a big man and had to get above their minimum cap floor. They simply needed a big man and a big contract to avoid being penalized by the league.  Our own Andrew Turpen, detailed the specifics of the Lakers deal.

Previously, the Mavericks had offered a Sign-and-Trade sending Hibbert to Dallas for Monta Ellis which helps the Pacers overall cap number. Now with such little time to spare before the deadline, Larry Bird can up the ante. He could renege on the trade with the Lakers and start a bidding war for Hibbert’s services between both teams or force a 3-team trade. The Pacers trade buzz is picking up quickly on the wake of the DeAndre Jordan saga and Dallas is desperate.

Now, Larry Bird is holding all the chips. In one fell swoop he can bilk the Lakers  by rejecting with the Lakers original offer, instead opting to trade Hibbert to Dallas, or force a 3-team trade for additional assets.

It’s your move Larry. Check, fold or go all-in. Ty Lawson or Kenneth Faried would make nice additions to the roster especially in the 11th hour…