Plenty of trade speculation has swirled around the Pacers heading into the 2021 offseason, but a league source tells J. Michael of The Indianapolis Star (subscription required) that a “seismic” change to Indiana’s roster is unlikely.
One player whose name has popped up frequently in trade rumors during the last year or two is Myles Turner, and teams haven’t slowed their efforts to land the rim-protecting big man. According to Michael, the Knicks have gotten more aggressive lately in their pursuit of Turner — they aren’t the only club trying to trade for him, but they appear to be making the strongest push as of late, Michael says.
Here’s more on the Pacers:
- With lottery pick Chris Duarte expected to step into a role on the wing, the Pacers are interested in moving Jeremy Lamb, reports Michael. Lamb, who was limited to 36 games last season due to injuries, is on a $10.5 million expiring contract.
- The Pacers have had discussions about whether Malcolm Brogdon is the answer at point guard, according to Michael, who writes that Indiana also talked about possibly pursuing Lonzo Ball. However, Ball doesn’t seem to be a serious option for Indiana at this point, Michael adds.
- T.J. McConnell and Doug McDermott both have interest in returning to the Pacers, but McConnell wants security (i.e. a multiyear deal) and McDermott might get too pricey for Indiana. As he’s previously reported, Michael notes that McConnell is more likely than McDermott to re-sign with the Pacers.
- Michael points to Avery Bradley, Lou Williams, Will Barton, and Garrett Temple as some free agents who might appeal to Indiana.
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