Pacers acquire $55 million wing in blockbuster trade deal with East rival

The Indiana Pacers have been one of the most inconsistent teams to open the NBA season, in part due to injuries. Indiana has been hit hard by injuries in the frontcourt and along the wing, leaving them a bit exposed.

They have already begun to assess the trade market for help and could become one of the most active teams in the NBA. Indiana will have to decide how far they want to go all-in given the odds of winning now and keeping their future alive.

In the new proposed trade agreement, Dan Favale of Bleacher ReportI suggested that the Pacers make a deal with the Brooklyn Nets to get a wing and a big player. Indiana would be hitting two weak spots in one trade, giving the deal some sense.

In the proposed deal, the Pacers would receive forward Dorian Phinney-Smith and center Day’Ron Sharp from Brooklyn. The Nets will welcome forwards Aubie Toppin and Jaras Walker from Indiana.

Phinney-Smith is scheduled to make $14.9 million this season and has a $15.3 million cap hit next year. While his salary might be a bit high, Indiana would also gain from Toppin’s long-term salary in this trade.

The veteran wing could be a perfect fit for the Pacers, giving them more defensive help and 3-point shooting. He is averaging 10.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.2 steals per game this season.

Phinney-Smith is also shooting 34.5% from beyond the 3-point line. But playing alongside a strong passer like Tyrese Haliburton, Phinney-Smith could see his numbers jump.

The veteran will also bring some experience to help this fairly young Pacers team. He has been in the league for years and could bring some wisdom to the table.

Indiana will also get a decent big player in Sharpe in the deal. With the team losing two centers for the year, Sharpe could slot in behind Myles Turner to help the Pacers with their frontcourt woes.

Sharp has yet to play this season due to a hamstring injury, but was solid last season in limited time for the Nets. He averaged 6.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game last year.

Either way, Indiana could use a little help to give itself a better chance at serious playoff competition.

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