The Pacers need to upgrade at the small forward position to be better contenders. Jerami Grant, a player whose 3 and D abilities fit really well on almost any team, is a strong upgrade trade target.

I know, his contract is a lot. I know, Simon never pays the luxury tax. Here’s why both of those arguments may not be as big as we think they are.

Grant’s contract is a lot when it was signed. It won’t be over the next few years. The salary range for a 21 ppg forward is going to skyrocket with the new tv deals and salary cap rise. Once those kick in, the last three years of Grant’s contract will look like a good fit or an outright steal.

If Simon was ever going to go back into the luxury tax, this is the season to do it. It could be fairly minimal and this move helps establish your core four of Turner, Siakam, Grant, and Haliburton for years to come, pending a Turner extension gets done in 2025. That core, at their new rates, with the rising cap, can be manageable to stay under the luxury tax in future years. They just need to pay a little bit this upcoming season for the long haul.

Worth mentioning this deal only gets done with Toppin’s agreement for the sign and trade. Not only does he get good value of 3 years/$45 million, putting him above the MLE, but he gets great opportunity. Toppin could step into the starting PF position for the Blazers. With his 3-point shooting and lob threat, he’s a great scheme fit around Ayton and Portland’s guard-heavy scheme. Putting the lov threats of Ayton and Toppin on each side of the basket will cause a lot of defenses to stay close to the paint, opening up outside shooting.

Pacers start their core four and then decide on their starting SG moving forward between Mathurin and Nembhard — whoever develops and earns it more.