This reunites Levert & Russell from a couple years ago when they were a surprise 6th seed in the East. Lamb is a solid pro who does everything well, but nothing great. Holiday has shown flashes, and looks like he will have a lengthy career.
Indy still keeps cap flexibility to resign Warren the following season. Rubio is a more threatening TJ McConnell, offensively-speaking, but Indy really cooks when he(TJ) plays with at least 3 of their normal starters. Warren will likely get a raise, but probably not be paid more than Brogdon or Sabonis. They might even get a discount if his foot problems linger into next season. Hopefully Rubio would resign to a 3 year deal at a slightly lesser rate.
Why would Minnesota do this? Levert has a higher ceiling than anyone else in the trade. Lamb is a consummate pro and Holiday still has potential to be more than a backup. The second rounders, assuming they are after pick 40, are probably worthless - but at least they can say they got draft compensation. But do they want another mouth to feed, offensivley? Are there enough shots to go around between KAT, Edwards, Levert, and Russell? Maybe not, but if they wanted to move on from Russell this could ease that transition more so than their current collective could. Rubio Will be 31 next season and was an expensive backup before Russell had knee surgery. This barely effects their cap room after next season.
Why would Indy do this? Rubio is a breathtaking pick and roll player. I would love to see what he could do with Sabonis in the 2 man game, with Warren, Turner, Brogdon/Beasley on the wing (do they have the cap room to resign McBuckets this offseason?). Beasley is a dead-eye shooter. He's also on a team friendly deal moving forward with the most years locked in of anyone in the trade. Levert, talented as he is, gets knocked for being ball-dominant (lo' and behold, after a quick google search, he does lead the team in Usage). It's hard to say who would start for the Pacers between Beasley and Rubio. Bringing Rubio off the bench would ease the pain of losing their backup 3rd string PG... and who's to say they reason McConnell (fingers crossed, yes)?...
your thoughts?