How This Trade Impacts Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers were in the market to shake up their roster this offseason. They missed the playoffs last season for the first time since 2015. Nate Bjorkgren was fired after one season and replaced with former Pacers head coach, Rick Carlisle.
Hungry to get back into the playoff picture, Indiana was involved in some trade talks with the Philadelphia 76ers for Ben Simmons. No deal was made, but if the Pacers are looking for a star name at the point guard position, Russell Westbrook would suffice.
Westbrook showed last season with the Washington Wizards that he still has plenty left to offer a team. On the Pacers, he would have a little more freedom with the ball than he would be afforded with the Lakers. Watching him and Domantas Sabonis run pick-and-roll action together would be a sight to see.
But, would ownership sign off on a deal such as this? The team has been actively looking to trade Myles Turner, which would open things up as he and Sabonis are best suited at the center position. Parting ways with Caris LeVert would be a tougher sell.
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LeVert’s name popped up in some rumors as a potential target of the 76ers. Trading him away for the 25-year old Simmons is one thing, but including him in a deal for Westbrook seems a little short-sighted.
The emergence of rookie Chris Duarte could be cause for Indiana to consider this team. Alas, it is hard to imagine the Pacers believing Westbrook is a big enough upgrade to part with LeVert, someone who should be in their long-term plans.
