According to a report from Jake Fischer in Yahoo Sports late last month, the Indiana Pacers have set a stance when it comes to possibly trading reserve point guard T.J. McConnell.
Earlier in the 2023-24 season, reports surfaced that suggested other NBA teams were interested in acquiring the Pacers veteran ball handler. He's been rock solid off the bench for Indiana this season.
"This is one of the great competitors really in the history of this franchise," Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said of McConnell earlier this season.
The Phoenix Suns were previously said to be interested in McConnell's services, and Fischer added the Utah Jazz in as a team that had the 31-year old on their radar. But those teams, and any others that may hope to acquire McConnell, are potentially pursuing an improbable acquisition.
"T.J. McConnell was another veteran point guard on the radar in Utah and with many other teams like Phoenix, sources said, but the Pacers have indicated to rival teams they don't want to move him," Fischer reported. Given how important McConnell has been on and off the court for the blue and gold, that stance makes sense.
The nine-year veteran is averaging 7.9 points and 5.6 assists per game this season. He plays hard, defends well, and has good-enough efficiency to stay on the court despite not being a great outside shooter. He is a unique, yet effective, player.
His contract is appealing with a cap hit of $8.7 million this year and $9.3 million in 2024-25, though only $5 million of his salary next season is guaranteed. That provides some flexibility on top of his useful play.
While it makes sense why other teams could value those factors, the Pacers certainly value them too, and they have made previous roster decisions with McConnell in mind. Outside of getting blown away by an offer this week, it seems like the veteran guard is in the Pacers' plans for the rest of this season.
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