The Pacers are a fringe all star player away from being a more legitimate top team in the East. The avenues of finding that player via free agency or draft in the years ahead doesn’t look good, so it’s time to push the chips in on a 20+ ppg wing, who is locked into a long term deal. Jerami Grant has the potential to be a fantastic fit, but we have to acknowledge he would push the budget to the max with a Siakam extension in play. The Simon family is not one to enter the luxury tax area, but has said in the past they’d be willing if they feel they have a true contender.

Pacers starters: Haliburton, Nembhard, Grant, Siakam, and Turner.

2nd group: McConnell, Mathurin, Nesmith, Smith or Walker, and Jackson.

For Portland, what are they prioritizing in their rebuild? Young talent and draft picks. It may not get any better than a scenario that gives them two 1st round picks and the RFA rights to Obi Toppin. The Blazers are in desperate need of Forwards to grow with their young guard rotation. Add Toppin and a couple rookie wings heading into next year, and the building takes another step forward with more budget freed up. Fournier is used as salary match and likely never even moves to Portland.

For New York, they’re able to take advantage of a trade scenario that lands them a career 40% 3-point shooter for cheap. Not only are they landing Hield to help them in their playoff run, but they clear the Fournier contract. All for the price of one first round pick outside of the lottery in a reportedly weak draft.

I think this is a win for each team, but let me know your thoughts.