Tony East here, the host of the daily Locked On Pacers podcast, with your daily Locked On Pacers newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Pacers and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Indiana Pacers trade deadline preview
Jan 30, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers center Miles Turner shakes the hand of the President of Basketball operations Kevin Pritchard during a press conference to announce his contract extension at Gainsbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports | Marc Lebryk/Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Pacers Trade Deadline Preview: Myles Turner’s Future and Financial Considerations
As we approach the NBA trade deadline, the Indiana Pacers find themselves in an intriguing position. Their recent run of good form has changed the conversation around their trade deadline strategy. With the team currently sitting in sixth place in the Eastern Conference, the Pacers are looking more like buyers than sellers.
The most significant talking point surrounding the Pacers trade deadline plans revolves around center Myles Turner. Turner’s contract situation makes him a prime candidate for trade discussions. He cannot be extended this season and will become an unrestricted free agent in the summer. This puts the Pacers in a tricky position – do they trade him now and get assets in return, or risk losing him for nothing in free agency?
However, trading Turner isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. He fits perfectly with the team’s current style of play, especially alongside Pascal Siakam. Finding a replacement who can replicate Turner’s unique skill set would be challenging. Moreover, the Pacers recent success might make them hesitant to disrupt team chemistry.
Financial Considerations
The Pacers financial situation adds another layer of complexity to their trade deadline decisions. They’re currently close to the luxury tax threshold, which limits their flexibility in making moves. Any trade involving a player making more than Obi Toppin’s salary (around $12 million) would be complicated to execute without going over the tax line.
This financial constraint makes it more likely that the Pacers will focus on smaller moves or look for players on more manageable contracts. The team might also consider moves that help them stay under the tax line while maintaining their competitive edge.
James Wiseman: Most Likely to be Traded
While Turner’s name will dominate trade discussions, James Wiseman emerges as the most likely Pacer to be moved before the deadline. Wiseman’s minimum contract makes him an easy salary to move, and his departure would give the Pacers some much-needed financial flexibility.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Pacers trade deadline strategy, tune into the Locked On Pacers podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pacers Podcast:
• Isaiah Jackson’s injury and its impact on his future contract
• The Pacers long-term financial outlook and potential extensions for young players
• Potential trade targets and how they might fit with the current roster
Jan 4, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) greets Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) before a game at Frost Bank Center. | Scott Wachter/Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
I only get to write this column once per week, so while we’re still technically a game or two short of the halfway marker for most teams, I’m here with some second-quarter awards anyway!
These are honors for the second quarter and second quarter only; they aren’t predictive. Word count limitations mean I have no margin for a longer introduction. You get it.
Interior Defensive Player of the Quarter
Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
When it comes to analyzing defense, it isn’t fair to lump wings and guards with bigs; it’s like comparing a sports car to a heavy-duty pickup truck when you can only buy one vehicle. Instead, I split Defensive Player of the Quarter into interior and perimeter editions.
My Interior Defensive Player of the Quarter won’t shock: it’s Victor Wembanyama. I could throw a bunch of advanced analytics at you to prove the case, but instead, I’d ask that you join me in prayer: Holy mother of basketballs, protect your children from the harm Wembanyama inflicts upon them.
Ok, fine, here’s one fun, if basic, number. In the season’s second quarter, Wemby had an outrageous 69 blocks. That’s 30 more than second-place Myles Turner, despite the fact that Turner played in three more games. Let’s not waste time here.
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Rumor Speculation surrounds Isaiah Jackson’s future with the Pacers, with whispers suggesting he may have already played his last game for Indiana. (8 Points, 9 Seconds)
Analysis The Pacers are in the mix to acquire a veteran wing from an Eastern contender, potentially strengthening their roster. (Sports Illustrated)
Trade Bleacher Report outlines each NBA team’s dream and realistic trade targets for 2025, providing critical insights for Pacers’ trade strategies. (Bleacher Report)
Preview The Pacers head to Detroit to take on the Pistons tonight at 7:00 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Nick Richards Traded to Phoenix Suns: Fantasy Basketball Impact and Analysis
Jan 12, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards (4) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas/Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Phoenix Suns have acquired center Nick Richards from the Charlotte Hornets in a trade that sent shockwaves through the NBA. While not a blockbuster deal, this move has significant implications for fantasy basketball managers.
In exchange for Richards, the Hornets received Josh Okogie and three second-round picks, while the Suns also got a second-round pick in return. At first glance, it might seem like the Suns got a steal, but let’s take a closer look at what this means for Richards’ fantasy value.
Richards has been averaging 21 minutes per game this season, putting up 9 points and 7.5 rebounds with 1.2 blocks. These numbers have him ranked 205th in category leagues, which is far from impressive. However, the change of scenery could potentially boost his value.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Pacers podcasts. Will the Indiana Pacers have any All-Stars this season? The Indiana Pacers are the fifth seed and could have an All-Star this season. What kind of case does Pascal Siakam have? What about Tyrese Haliburton?
Indiana and the trade rumor mill Indiana is in a tough spot to make trades, but there have been plenty of reports about what the team could do. What are those reports, and what do they indicate about the Pacers? Pacers season is about to get challenging post Paris
The Pacers are back from Paris, and it might change their season. How so? Jon Washburn helps break it down before an important discussion about the Pacers rotation and starting lineup: Where do Aaron Nesmith, Bennedict Mathurin, Jarace Walker, and Ben Sheppard stand?
