The Pacers are one of the biggest surprises of the NBA’s first half, but apparently, they aren’t satisfied.
Instead, they seem to be exploring their options in trying to improve and make a playoff push.
And according to Sean Deveney of Heavy Sports, the Pacers have engaged the Knicks in trade talks centered on New York forward Obi Toppin.
While this isn’t the first time the Knicks have been involved in trade talks and rumors this season, it’s not often that Toppin’s name has come up — or that they’ve been linked to the Pacers. Until now.
But according to Deveney’s source, Toppin “fits in Indiana, especially if they keep (Myles Turner). Obi is a rim-runner, he has some toughness, he has athleticism. He needs minutes and a team that is rebuilding with young talent like Indy is a really good match.”
Toppin suffered a foot injury in early December, and had his moments before that. There is no doubting his athleticism or ability to run the floor and finish.
Of course, he also backs up Julius Randle at power forward, which can tend to cut into your minutes and opportunities. Either way, again, the Knicks had reportedly discussing trades involving the likes of guards Derrick Rose and Evan Fournier, and especially, forward Cam Reddish.
They seemed to be looking for just about anything in return, especially some picks. And the Pacers just happen to have quite a few of those.
Toppin, 24, is averaging 7.7 points and 3.8 rebounds in 25 appearances this season, his third in the NBA.
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