Guide to the NBA trade deadline: Pacers
The Vertical Front-Office Insider Bobby Marks, a 20-year executive with the Nets, breaks down the Indiana Pacers' situation as the Feb. 18 trade deadline approaches.
HANG UP IF THEY ASK ABOUT ...
Paul George
Before cooling off recently, Paul George had been putting up MVP-type numbers. There are not many players in the league with George's versatility to guard multiple players and still be a threat on the offensive end. Paul George, who is under contract thru the 2018-19 season, is a bargain at his $17 million salary.
Myles Turner
Pacers management has found a gem in the Texas product. Finally healthy after missing 21 games, the 19-year-old Turner has played his best basketball during the past three weeks. The value of Turner's rookie contract will only increase as the salary-cap balloons over the next three years.
UP FOR DEBATE
2016 first-round pick
Indiana has not moved a first-round pick since 2011, and that occurred on the night of the draft when George Hill was obtained for Kawhi Leonard.
Known for having a top-notch scouting staff, Pacers management's blueprint has always been conservative.
WORTH PICKING UP THE PHONE FOR
Chase Budinger
Budinger is in the last year of his contract, valued at $5 million. When healthy, the Pacers' roster is stocked with an abundance of wings.
The biggest need right now for Indiana is a veteran point guard to help offset the burden that Hill has had to carry. Although Monta Ellis can shift over from his shooting guard position, solidifying the bench should be a high priority for the Pacers.
NO-TRADE CLAUSE OR WITH A RESTRICTION
Chase Budinger
Budinger, who was acquired from Minnesota, cannot be traded back to the Timberwolves this season.
MOVE THAT PUSHES THE NEEDLE
Get healthy
Stuck in the bottom of the Eastern Conference playoffs standings, the goal for Indiana is to stay healthy for the last six weeks of the season.
If the Pacers can return to the team they were in mid-November, they will be a tough out, even without making a trade.
TREASURE CHEST OF PICKS
Indiana has its own first-round pick, projected to be in the late teens to early 20s. The Pacers also own their future first-round picks.
AVAILABLE TRADE EXCEPTIONS
None.
POST-TRADE DEADLINE ROSTER MOVEMENT
Indiana has 15 guaranteed contracts if no trade is made before Feb. 18.
Like most teams, the Pacers will pay attention if a veteran player is bought out at the end of February.
SNEAK PEEK TOWARD JULY
The Pacers could have $16 million in cap space this summer that includes the $4.8 million cap hold on Jordan Hill and a $7.6 million cap hold for Ian Mahinmi. If both players sign with another team or at a salary lower than their current hold, Indiana could have more than $25 million in room.
INSIDER INFO
Both Hill and Mahinmi are eligible for contract extensions.
Players who have signed a four- or five-year contract and have completed three seasons are eligible for an extension. A maximum of four years is allowed for an extension, including the current contract.
For Hill, the maximum of additional years would be two.
For Mahinmi, the Pacers could add three additional seasons to his contract.
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