The DAL & IND 1sts have Protections. You can move those Protections around. However IND is giving up a #6 pick in Ben who is a 25 to 30 ppg scorer, that's also capable of getting 8 to 6 Rebounds a night and 4 or 5 assists a game. As well as loads of potential. He's only played 2 1/2 seasons so far and has progressed very quickly in all areas he's been asked to improve in. He will likely lead IND in scoring this year and be the best player. I wouldn't trade him personally. But IND is cheap and won't likey offer him more than 20mil a year.. 25 is probably not enough either. He and players like Josh Giddey want 30mil minimum and it's understandable.

Mavs gave a Top 5 Protected '26 1st. But Pacers gave them a '27 1st Top 10 Protected. Since Mavs didn't have a '27 1st. They can now trade any of their 1st round picks they want. Whether it be the '26,'27, or '28 1st now. So that gives them flexibility. Yeah they lost Lively II, but the Pacers used their own 2nds to land the Nick Richards in return here. Who actually averages a couple Rebounds more a game. Max Christie is a solid player as well. But he's as good as he's going to get most likely. While Ben Mathurin has All-Star talent.

It's a tough trade for both sides when it comes to trading players you love. I tried to come up with something fair.. But imo, I know Mathurin will be an All-Star and they already have Cooper Flagg.. Then once Kyrie comes back.. Having Anthony Davis, Gafford, Washington, Richards and Marshall. As well as their other guards and forwards I can't remember right now.. They will be primed to win a Championship much sooner than my Pacers.. 😔

Idk what do you guy's think about this one? You can manipulate some thing's, or picks like any GM's would.. But I tried. Wishful thinking. I doubt any trade this perfect happens for any team's. But you never know.. Especially when Mathurin blows up this season. We might be looking for Bigger fish. I know the Miami Heat will want him. He fits that culture and has that Mamba-esk mentality. Best at drawing fouls in the league, has a crazy hang time in layup package, can dunk like crazy, create his own shots and shoot from anywhere. Has shown crazy flashes on D with huge blocks and steals.. If we trade Mathurin I'll probably stop watching Pacers basketball... TBH.. They better get a hell of a package back if they do.. If Heat wants him, I want Bam.. But Pacers don't like to pay player's. So.. 🤷 Pretty much screwed and doomed to mediocrity. Why I'm about to follow a new team.. I'll give them this next offseason to see what they do.. and if it's bad. I'm done with them. Because you can't ever win when you don't prioritize player's and WINNING first..