Whatever happens in the NBA Finals, win or lose, the Pacers should not be idle and run it back with this roster if they see an opportunity to improve for the next few years in this competitive window. Good news is, management may not be working at a disadvantage as ownership has indicated they’re willing to go into the luxury tax with Turner’s inevitable deal. How far? We’ll see.

There isn’t much financial point in only going over the tax line by a small margin, but the Simons likely operate on a tight budget no matter what. We can only hope they actually want to invest to compete.

If there’s one starting position they need to upgrade, it’s the SF spot — another wing who can both create offense and defend. Deni Avdija is that perfect fit. It also appears he could actually be available via trade with the Memphis news of their own interest. I’m willing to bet that leak didn’t come from Memphis.

Avdija reached a whole new level with the Blazers and he did it with really efficient numbers, so it wasn’t just building stats on a bad team. Adding to his value beyond his talent is his contract. It’s a steal. It’s also the factor that not only makes his trade value either capable players or draft capital, but both.

Avdija’s ability to create his offense and defend really well would make him a perfect fit in a lineup of Haliburton, Nembhard, Avdija, Siakam, and Turner. His three year contract timeline also matches up perfectly. Nesmith moves to a second unit featuring himself, Toppin, McConnell, and Sheppard. Pacers depth doesn’t miss a beat.

In this trade, the Blazers get not only two good young talents in Mathurin and Walker, but the two 1sts as well. Mathurin is in need of finding a place where he can start and gain the experience he needs. Walker has not only needed to find a new home for minutes, but also to stop playing out of position. He’s a PF that the Pacers have tried to turn into a SF. Square peg meets round hole.

The Blazers get far more value back for Avdija than they traded away for him not long ago. A great flip.

After years of starting his career on losing teams with Washington and Portland, Avdija gets his chance to showcase his talent on a contender and the world wakes up to how good this kid is and what he’s going to be.