Indiana Pacers Trade Rumors Could Make Franchise Big Player Before NBA Trade Deadline
More Indiana Pacers trade rumors are fluttering in as the 2011 NBA trade deadline approaches. Some interesting Indiana Pacers trades could take place quite soon, especially with the number
of assets that the Pacers have to offer in this market. This could also lead to the Pacers becoming part of several multi-team trades as the franchise helping to make the salaries work. It could get even more interesting if the Pacers stay in contention for one of the final two playoff spots in the Eastern Conference this year.
According to ESPN and NBA FanHouse, the Pacers are definitely looking to make a deal. FanHouse is relaying the fact that Pacers team president Larry Bird wants to pull off a trade for a key player that could help the team this year and into the future. ESPN has been updating the trade front for Anthony Randolph, who the New York Knicks are shopping around for a first round draft pick. It seems the Pacers first round selection in the 2011 NBA Draft could be on the table to acquire Randolph right now.
The assets that Indiana has to work with begin with expiring contracts that they could deal. That includes Mike Dunleavy, who makes $10.56 million this year, T.J. Ford who is making $8.5 million this year, and Jeff Foster, who is in the final year of his deal to make $6.66 million this year. Any or all of these players could be traded to teams that need a piece to fill out their roster this year, or simply need a player coming their direction in a three team trade that would balance out salaries. The Pacers have the assets to be a player in nearly every major deal rumored right now, but the question becomes what they might be able to get in return.
