The Indiana Pacers have one part of their long-term backcourt with Tyrese Haliburton. However, they could find a more long-term backcourt partner for Haliburton in the upcoming NBA offseason.
Malcolm Brogdon doesn’t fit Haliburton’s timeline given he already is 29-years-old. There’s a legitimate chance the Pacers look to move him in the offseason despite agreeing to a two-year, $45 million contract extension in October.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Indiana Pacers are regarded as a potential suitor for Dallas Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson in free agency — in addition to the Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks.
“The Pacers, furthermore, are projected to have cap space this summer and are increasingly regarded as a team with designs on joining Detroit and New York in the bidding for Dallas unrestricted free-agent-to-be Jalen Brunson. Carlisle knows Brunson’s game extremely well after coaching him in his first three seasons.”
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Brunson, who is in the midst of a career year, is averaging 16.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in 78 appearances for the Dallas Mavericks. After being selected 33rd overall in the 2018 NBA Draft, he played his first three seasons under now Pacers coach Rick Carlisle.
There’s expected to be significant interest in Jalen Brunson around the NBA when he reaches free agency. While there aren’t many teams that project as having much meaningful cap space, most are already being viewed as potential Brunson suitors.
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The Kemba Walker experience was a failure for the New York Knicks and need a long-term solution. The Detroit Pistons like what Jalen Brunson has achieved as the secondary ball-handler next to Luka Doncic and view him as being capable of thriving next to Cade Cunningham.
The Indiana Pacers are in the early stage of a rebuild, so it may not make sense to throw major money at a smaller guard who will be 26-years-old in late August. Also, it remains to be seen what position they will need up selecting in the 2022 NBA Draft, too. Regardless, Brunson remains a name to watch.
