Report: Knicks, Pacers 'touched base' on trade for former top-10 pick

The Indiana Pacers are making aggressive moves to begin the offseason and have reportedly held discussions to acquire a former lottery pick.

According to SNY's Ian Begley, the Pacers and New York Knicks "touched base recently" regarding a deal that would send forward Obi Toppin to Indiana. NBA insider Marc Stein reported early Friday that Indiana had "emerged as a leading suitor" for the 2022 NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion.

Rather than receiving a player in exchange for Toppin, Begley says the Knicks are pursuing draft picks in a deal. The move would allow the Knicks to shed Toppin's $6.8 million from their payroll as well as free up a spot in HC Tom Thibodeau's rotation. 

"Knicks would be seeking draft compensation in any potential Obi Toppin-to-Indiana trade, per SNY sources. Knicks and Pacers have been in touch on a trade involving Toppin," Begley tweeted.

As mentioned, the Pacers have been active Friday, beginning the day by getting the framework in order to send shooting guard Chris Duarte to Sacramento for draft compensation. Once free agency opened, Indiana then agreed to terms with 2023 champion Bruce Brown on a two-year, $45 million deal. 

Toppin's career hasn't started how he envisioned when the Knicks selected him eighth overall in the 2020 NBA Draft, but it's not due to a lack of talent. While New York expected Toppin to eventually become its starting power forward, the sudden emergence of Julius Randle, who was named to the All-NBA Second Team in 2021, changed its plans.

The Knicks extended Randle after the 2020-21 season, leaving Toppin confined to the bench during his first three years as a pro. Over the course of his career, Toppin has averaged just 14.7 minutes per game.  

An increased role on an up-and-coming Pacers team could be exactly what Toppin needs to unlock his potential. The 25-year-old's per 36-minute metrics should provide some optimism for the Pacers, as he would've averaged 17 points and 6.4 rebounds last season under such a workload.

Although the Pacers finished 11th in the Eastern Conference (35-47), the addition of Brown and possibly Toppin could put them in contention for a play-in spot next season.