Indiana does this because they already have internal data on OMax from his time in Dallas showing he can be a functional rotation defender when used correctly. He flashed positional versatility, energy defense, and transition play on a cheap contract, which fits the Pacers’ system around Haliburton. Given the low acquisition cost, they’re comfortable betting that consistent minutes and development can turn him into a reliable depth wing. The distant second-round pick is expendable for that kind of upside.

Memphis moves off Prosper because he hasn’t cracked their rotation and they don’t see a clear path for him long-term. They turn him into two future seconds, pushing value down the line when the roster might look different. Taelon Peter is just roster filler or a G-League shooter they can evaluate cheaply. This is minor asset consolidation, not a basketball-impact trade.