The Indiana Pacers are preparing for a rebuild, one that is reportedly leading to the franchise opening up talks for blockbuster trades involving Caris LeVert, Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner.
Just months after Indiana fired first-year coach Nate Bjorkgren, following a season that saw the team’s stretch of five consecutive playoff appearances snapped, the Pacers are prepared to dramatically overhaul their roster.
- Indiana Pacers record: 10-15, 13th in Eastern Conference
According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania and Bob Kravitz, the Pacers are already receptive to trade dialogue with rival clubs about deals for LeVert, Sabonis and Turner. All three players are immediately generating significant interest around the NBA after years of the front office rejecting calls on its two big men.
Sabonis, a 25-year-old forward, would likely generate the most interest. A two-time All-Star selection (2020, 2021), the son of Hall of Famer Aryvdas Sabonis has become one of the best players at his position. Even more important for interested teams, Sabonis is under contract through the 2023-’24 season and is owed just a combined $56.4 million.
- Domantas Sabonis stats (2020’21): 20.3 ppg, 12 rpg, 6.7 apg, 1.2 spg, .186 WS/48, 118 Offensive Rating
Turner, a two-time leader in blocks, will also draw tremendous interest. The 6-foot-11 center is one of the best defenders in the NBA. He ranks 16th in Defensive Rating (103.5), 12th in Defensive Win Shares (1.2) and leads the NBA in blocks (71).
Carrying an $18 million cap charge this season and under contract for $18 million in 2022-’23, the 25-year-old center immediately becomes one of the biggest names on the trade market.
- Myles Turner stats (2021-’22): 12.6 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 1.8 three-pointers made per game, 53% from the field
Based on the report, it seems likely that Indiana will keep one of its star big men. But that could change if the right offer comes along and another team is willing to overpay to land an impact player.
