The future of the Pacers’ franchise belongs to Tyrese Haliburton, though who will play alongside him down the road remains to be seen.
According to longtime NBA journalist Marc Stein, Indiana may pursue Jalen Brunson in restricted free agency. Brunson played under coach Rick Carlisle for three seasons, so there is familiarity there. However, Dallas will look to retain the point guard and Indiana won’t be the only outside suitor looking at the Villanova product (the Knicks and Pistons also have interest in Brunson).
Russell Westbrook could be another option for the Pacers, Stein notes. Some sort of trade for Buddy Hield could work. Hield, of course, was rumored to be headed to Los Angeles last offseason via a Lakers-Kings trade, though the Wizards swooped in and traded the former MVP to Los Angeles for essentially the same package that Sacramento had been hoping to acquire for Hield.
Malcolm Brogdon could also be an option in a Westbrook trade this offseason. Stein writes that there’s a notion around the league that Brogdon will end up playing elsewhere next season.
More From Around The NBA
- Cleveland is hoping to get Jarrett Allen back, though it won’t come on Sunday during the team’s season finale vs. the Bucks. Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com hears that Allen’s pain tolerance is a major concern with his finger fracture, particularly with regard to him catching passes. The Cavs will play in the play-in tournament and there’s hope that the big man can suit up for the event.
- Evan Mobley just returned to the lineup, scoring 17 points on Friday night after missing the previous five games. If Allen can’t go in the play-in game, the rookie will have even more on his plate during his first postseason appearance.
- The Nuggets are unlikely to see Jamal Murray or Micheal Porter Jr. suit up in the postseason, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. Murray hasn’t played at all this season after tearing his ACL late last season. MPJ hasn’t suited up since November after injuring his back.
- LeBron James leaving the Lakers for the Mavericks? It might be farfetched but Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News argues that it shouldn’t be considered an impossible scenario due to Dallas’ roster flexibility and the presence of Luka Doncic.
Special Betting Offer From PointsBet
- Offer: Two risk-free bets up to $2,000
- States: New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Iowa
- Promo code: MVPBET (T&C Apply)
Special Betting Offer From Fubo Sportsbook
- Offer: One risk-free bet up to $1,000 + one month of free FuboTV.
- States: Arizona, Iowa
- Promo code: MVPBET (T&C Apply).
