Pacers weigh modest moves, plan additional draft workouts
pacers-offseason-trade-free-agent-options-and-workout-schedule
INDIANAPOLIS — After securing center Ivica Zubac at February’s trade deadline, the Indiana Pacers are not expected to pursue another blockbuster deal this summer. Front-office discussions are instead centering on smaller transactions and the potential use of the club’s non-taxpayer mid-level exception, according to reporting from the Indianapolis Star’s Dustin Dopirak.
Scoring help tops the wish list
Dopirak notes that the Pacers could seek another proven scorer, mentioning Malik Monk and Max Strus as possible trade targets. Any package for either guard would likely need to include young forwards Jarace Walker and Ben Sheppard.
Oklahoma City guards Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe may also become attainable if the Thunder trim payroll. Other names linked to Indiana’s mid-level exception include Khris Middleton, Anfernee Simons, Kevin Huerter, Quentin Grimes, Kelly Oubre, Ayo Dosunmu and Bones Hyland. Dopirak adds that Dalton Knecht and Saddiq Bey could be pursued without costing a rotation regular.
Nembhard embraces larger role
Second-year guard Andrew Nembhard appeared in 57 games and logged a career-best 31.3 minutes per night. The 24-year-old said his responsibilities expanded beyond statistics. “I was put in a position where I had to voice my opinion more, kind of rally the troops,” Nembhard explained. He is entering the second season of a three-year, $58.65 million contract.
Two more pre-draft workouts scheduled
The Pacers will host their third and fourth pre-draft workouts on Thursday and Friday:
Thursday: John Camden (California), Melvin Council Jr. (Kansas), Tamin Lipsey (Iowa State), Corey Stephenson (Florida International), Malik Thomas (Virginia) and Jalen Warley (Gonzaga).
Friday: Sam Alexis (Indiana), Chris Bell (California), Kylan Boswell (Illinois), Maliq Brown (Duke), Isaac McKneely (Louisville) and Braden Smith (Purdue).
Indiana currently holds no selections in this year’s draft, though executives have not ruled out trading into the event.
Source: Hoops Rumors
