The Pacers proved last season that they were a legitimate playoff contender when they made the Eastern Conference Finals. This year, the team has only gotten more cohesive, and it is looking to make another deep playoff run. Being one of the youngest teams in the league, adding a veteran player could be the extra kick the Pacers need to become a championship contender.
After a disappointing season, the Phoenix Suns are looking to rebuild. There was much hope for them in the West behind a core of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal. Sadly, things went so far South that the Suns were open to trading Kevin Durant before the trade deadline of this year.
KD expressed to stay with the team through the rest of the season, and the Suns obliged. Now that the season has concluded, the Suns are still looking to trade the two-time champion, despite having one year left on his contract. Phoenix reportedly wanted to get top dollar for KD before the trade deadline. Since they have not made the playoffs, Phoenix may get less than they originally held out for.
The Suns’ recent firing of head coach Mike Budenholzer after just one year shows they are looking to rebuild. Although they have expressed they want to keep Devin Booker around, it seems other players are fair game. Indiana may have just what Phoenix wants for the Slim Reaper.
Currently, the Pacers have Haliburton and Siakam secured for the foreseeable future. They have also recently signed TJ McConnell and Obi Toppin to extensions. Miles Turner’s contract is up after this year, but he has become a core part of the Pacer’s success and is expected to resign.
This leaves the pacers with some younger talent that has begun to blossom, but has not quite become a core part of the Blue and Gold. A combination of Aaron Nesmith, Bennedict Mathurin, or Andrew Nembhard with some draft picks could pique the Suns interest.
Indiana has their own first-round pick in the draft this year and every year from 2027-31. They also have a handful of second-round picks in upcoming years as well. An enticing negotiation tool for a Suns organization that is wanting to rebuild.
The projected salary cap for next season is $154.6 million. With active contracts, the Pacers are looking at paying $167.9 million next season. This is well under the luxury tax of $187.9 million, but Indiana will have to free up some space if they want KD going East.
Kevin Durant has $53.2 million and one year left on his contract. The Pacers will need to make an offer close to this value while also planning for the future. Indiana will likely want Durant to sign an extension, as giving up valuable resources for one year of KD may not prove worthwhile.
The Pacers have just what the Suns are looking for. Two young guards, Nembhard and Mathurin, plus a 2026 and 2027 first-round pick, could match the value that Phoenix is looking to get for Durant. Both of the Indy players have shown much growth this season and would be a great fit for a rebuilding Suns team. Couple this with two first-round pics, and you have a hard deal to turn down.
Another scenario could look like sending only Nembhard, a couple of first-round picks, and one or two second-round picks. The opposite could also be a viable option. Indiana could look to trade away a chunk of their young core players, Nembhard, Mathurin, and Nesmith while trying to keep their draft picks.
It would be in the Pacers’ best interest to keep a majority of their young core and prioritize using draft picks as leverage for KD. Regardless, the Pacers have many resources at their disposal and should use them. No doubt, a player of Kevin Durant’s caliber would easily take the Pacers to the top of the East.
With the Sun’s time setting in the West, it is clear they are looking to restructure for the future. The Pacers are quite young and could heavily benefit from a veteran presence. Should Indiana begin talks with Phoenix, which I highly suggest, there are plenty of options to agree upon. The thought of KD getting high-quality assists from Haliburton night in and night out is a scary thought for the East and West alike.
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