The NBA trade rumors are emerging even for teams that made the playoffs as the Indiana Pacers fall again.
The Pacers missed the playoffs last season and hoped for a major improvement with the return of superstar Paul George.
George did not disappoint as he mounted one of the best comebacks from injury that the league has witnessed. Considering how gruesome his injury looked, it became one of the inspiring stories of the 2015-16 season.
However, the team did not translate George's sterling performance to their overall record. They only finished seventh place and are now down 2-1 to the Toronto Raptors. This prompted Mike DeCourcy of Sporting News to opine that George needs more support from the team's front office.
The article mentioned that George did not get enough support from his teammates and if the front office does not make any changes, they are unlikely to improve with just a mid-first round pick in a weak draft. Unless they get to sign free agents.
"There only are so many options, though, given a roster sorely lacking in the kinds of talents that can complement the resurgent, resplendent stardom George is providing less than two years removed from a devastating leg fracture that occurred while he prepared with the U.S. national team for the 2014 FIBA World Cup," DeCourcy said.
With the Pacers unlikely to land Durant or any major free agent considering the steep competition, the front office should be more aggressive or creative. There could be some trade opportunities along the line, and one of them be DeMarcus Cousins, the best center in the league today.
There were recent claims that Vlade Divac is already listening to offers-a different tune from the "untouchable" status that Cousins used to enjoy. The Pacers could actually be a dark horse in the sweepstakes, even from the point of view of the Kings faithful, as in this post from Sactown Royalty.
From user 'Houston JP' the post mentioned: "I'd try to entice Myles Turner from the Pacers along with their pick and a young quality player in return for Demarcus."
Turner has emerged as a frontline piece for the future, but the Pacers need someone to roll with George while he's at his prime-which is now. Trading him with their picks would be a steal for the Pacers. Depending on the package of draft picks, it could also be a reasonable haul for the Kings.