I can't see the Pacers trading Toppin after that finals run, but with the injury to Haliburton this would be the perfect opportunity for guys like Nembhardt, Mathurin and Jarace Walker to get quality minutes. Walker would thrive in as a defensive minded backup PF to switch on bigs. Toppin unfortunately doesn't do that, and though he made some astounding plays in the finals, He might be the odd man out if the Pacers want some more consistent shooting around Haliburton.

This would solidify their bench with Mathurin moving to the starting lineup and guys like Ben Sheppard taking on the backup SF role. On the flip side, the Pistons really need a PF that can stretch the floor and give Tobais Harris a breather as the energy bench guy. I don't think this makes either team a contender this year, but I could see this being a long term benefit for the Pacers as Malik would thrive in a 6th-7th man role next to TJ McConnell.