The Indiana Pacers have been one of the more surprising disappointments in the NBA thus far this season.
The Pacers are currently 10-16 and in 13th place in the Eastern Conference, 3.5 games behind the Atlanta Hawks, who are currently in 10th place, the final spot for the NBA Play-In Tournament.
Indiana has been mediocre on both ends of the court thus far this season, as they are middle of the road in most statistical categories. Ownership was hopeful that bringing Rick Carlisle back as head coach would help turn things around, but that has not been the case.
As a result, the Pacers could look to change things drastically when it comes to their roster. There were many people who thought some trades would come during the offseason, but nothing came to fruition. Now, it sounds like Indiana is open for business.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Pacers-Warriors Trade Lands Domantas Sabonis In San Francisco
According to The Athletic, Indiana is ready to move into a rebuild. That means All-Star Domantas Sabonis, Myles Turner and Caris LeVert could all be on the move for the right deal as the Pacers transition into asset collection mode.
“Multiple sources said that the Pacers are receptive in trade dialogue with rival teams centered on potentially moving guard Caris LeVert and either two-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis or center Myles Turner. All three players have frequently garnered significant interest from rival teams. Pacers officials have received frequent calls on both of their big men over the past several seasons, but new head coach Rick Carlisle wanted an opportunity to spend time with Sabonis and Turner and grow with the roster. Even still, Carlisle has remained interested in seeing the frontcourt duo together.”
Turner has taken strides offensively this season, as he is having the best shooting season of his career. In addition to his great shooting, Turner remains arguably the best rim protector in the league, as he has the most blocks per game at 2.8.
Sabonis has seemingly fallen out of favor in Indiana with Carlisle as head coach. He is no longer having the offense run through him, as he is positioned in the corner more this season than in the high post, where he has been in recent seasons. After making strides for multiple seasons, he has taken a step back.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Pacers-Warriors Trade Lands Domantas Sabonis In San Francisco
LeVert has also struggled thus far this season. He could still be working his way back from the back injury that he had at the beginning of the season, but his medical history is certainly a red flag. He has shown flashes of All-Star quality play in the past, but it is fair to question if he can reach those same heights following so many injuries.
Indiana looks like they will be very active in the coming weeks, with talks likely to pick up on December 15th once a large portion of players become eligible to be traded. Turner, Sabonis and LeVert would all net the Indiana Pacers a solid return package and get the organization going on their rebuild.
