Many expected the Indiana Pacers to trade veteran players like Buddy Hield and Myles Turner before the trade deadline. However, no such move has yet taken place.
The Indiana Pacers’ plans for veteran Myles Turner and Buddy Hield have been made public
Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report recently revealed the Indiana Pacers’ plans for both players as the trade deadline approaches. According to the report, Buddy Hield has “been available,” but the team prefers to keep Myles Turner.
The Indiana Pacers could still make a trade, but their primary goal is to make the playoffs.
“They could still trade Buddy Hield; he’s been available since they got him,” a different Eastern Conference executive said, “But they’re not looking to tank, and I hear they’re trying to extend Myles.”
It’s easy to see why the Indiana Pacers want to keep Myles Turner: he’s having a career year, averaging 16.8 points per game, 7.8 rebounds per game, 2.3 blocks per game, and 37.9% from beyond the arc. However, Myles Turner has already turned down contract extensions from the Pacers, and it is unclear whether the Pacers’ stance on trading him will change if he continues to do so.
Though Buddy Hield is a good player right now, the Indiana Pacers have some compelling reasons to trade him. He is a poor defender and moving his contract could provide some salary relief for the team.
However, it is likely in their best interests to keep him unless an incredible offer comes along, as he complements Tyrese Haliburton in the backcourt.
Tyrese Haliburton has previously stated that the team could resemble the Memphis Grizzlies in the future.
“I think the gains that we’ll see in the next 2-3 yrs are coming from today. It’s kind of like MEM. You got a young group of guys together who learn from each other &work everyday, &now they’re 1 of the best teams in the league. That’s what we’re trying to get to.”
The team does have some young talent, and if things go well in the future, they could become a special group. Being competitive in the present is important for the development of their young players, as they will learn winning habits from the veterans on the roster.
Hopefully, the Indiana Pacers will continue to thrive. They have an elite franchise player in Tyrese Haliburton, and if they draft well, they could be one of the Eastern Conference’s contenders in the future.
