The Pacers have too many capable guards than they can handle and if there’s one that could go on the trading block, I can see it being Andrew Nembhard. The Spurs are a great fit to buy on him for their present and the future.
Why the Pacers do it
The Pacers have the good problem of too many capable guards. Between Haliburton, Nembhard, Mathurin, McConnell, and Sheppard, there aren’t enough minutes to go around. It also appears Mathurin could be on the verge of a leap. If he progresses, it would be negligent to either have him come off the bench or play him out of natural position at SF.
The opportunity to cash in on Nembhard will be in the few weeks before the trade deadline. The goal would be draft capital with his small $2 million salary this season. If they can find that deal, it not only nets them a future pick, but frees up the salary space to re-sign Turner long-term. A major win-win-win between a pick, Turner, and a starting spot for Mathurin.
The best price they can expect for a non-all star guard is a late lottery pick, and they can find that trade fit in the Spurs.
Why the Spurs do it
San Antonio is in an interesting place, building around Victor Wembanyama. One piece they need to figure out is getting a young, capable point guard. Those are hard to find.
Nembhard is a natural PG rather than the SG position the Pacers will be forced to play him in. He proved his PG abilities in the ECF, playing for Canada, and he likely wants to be the main PG for a team.
Combine his trajectory with a very reasonable contract for the years ahead, and he’s a valuable player for the Spurs. Wembanyama’s rookie deal, Nembhard’s reasonable salary, and Barnes coming off the books will allow San Antonio to make a short-term big spend or front load contracts for players they like.
Trading the LEAST valuable pick between their own, Chicago, and Atlanta in next year’s draft is a reasonable price to pay (I’m betting Atlanta is in the 12-14 range). Throw in a $2 million expiring salary just to get it done. Pacers won’t care who it is.
I think it’s a win-win for both teams to set themselves up for more growth. Let me know your thoughts.