Brooklyn / Indiana

[MessiahUjiri]

They already made the ECF and dealing two super high potential prospects for Bridges feels like an overpay for a 2 year run at the risk of a potential 5-7 year run. Dealing one or the other plus additional value like picks? Sure. But both is an awful lot.

But I think mostly it depends on individual thoughts on the players involved. Both have flashed immense talent and could become star level players of their own. Shams pointed to Donovan Mitchell and Jimmy Butler as the type of Star that Mathurin could become, just a week ago. Sure, if neither projected to be stars, it’d be super easy to deal them. But it’s not that easy because they could be really talented.

Much like Toronto fans desperately wanted Mathurin for Siakam and Indy refused to include him, there’s clearly a belief that Mathurin could be something. Indy believes Walker could be something special too. So dealing both of them together would be he type of package that, in Indy’s opinion, should be the basis for a true super duper star type package.

I hate to say this, but the Bucks only went forward because of injuries (Giannis and Dame missing, the entire NYK front court).

I know us fans want to believe in our prospects, but by the time NYK/Philly etc are done with their offseason moves, it’s highly likely that Indiana feels boxed out of the top of the East.

I guess they could roll the dice on Mathurin and Walker, and also wait for them to develop. Seems like the timelines don’t matchup. Their window is open right now.

Maybe! But Indy also went 4-1 against a pretty much fully healthy Milwaukee during the regular season. And then Indy added Siakam and Milwaukee added Doc Rivers, so I think they’re pretty confident that it could continue.


But mostly I don’t see Mathurin/Walker for Bridges making Indy feel less boxed out of the top of the East than Mathurin or Walker and picks for Bridges, or even just holding onto Mathurin/Walker. Just throwing them both into a deal because they didn’t help a ton this year (as one was “redshirting” and the other required shoulder surgery). If Bridges doesn’t HIT right away, Indy is dealing him next year before he hits unrestricted free agency, as he’s not paid enough to really extend. It’s a REALLY tight rope to walk there, and dealing both of your “top tier draft prospects” in the last 30 years for a one year shot to see if it works is really tough to do in reality.

Well, given that Turner and McConnell are both UFAs next offseason and Pascal will be turning 31, the timeline window is likely smaller than it appears at surface.

You sound like you want to play it conservative and hope that things pan out. I think the Pacers are good enough to make an all-in move to take the NBA by the throat. With Mikal, they could be champions next season IMO.

[Scoot McGroot]

I hate to say this, but the Bucks only went forward because of injuries (Giannis and Dame missing, the entire NYK front court).

I know us fans want to believe in our prospects, but by the time NYK/Philly etc are done with their offseason moves, it’s highly likely that Indiana feels boxed out of the top of the East.

I guess they could roll the dice on Mathurin and Walker, and also wait for them to develop. Seems like the timelines don’t matchup. Their window is open right now.

Maybe! But Indy also went 4-1 against a pretty much fully healthy Milwaukee during the regular season. And then Indy added Siakam and Milwaukee added Doc Rivers, so I think they’re pretty confident that it could continue.


But mostly I don’t see Mathurin/Walker for Bridges making Indy feel less boxed out of the top of the East than Mathurin or Walker and picks for Bridges, or even just holding onto Mathurin/Walker. Just throwing them both into a deal because they didn’t help a ton this year (as one was “redshirting” and the other required shoulder surgery). If Bridges doesn’t HIT right away, Indy is dealing him next year before he hits unrestricted free agency, as he’s not paid enough to really extend. It’s a REALLY tight rope to walk there, and dealing both of your “top tier draft prospects” in the last 30 years for a one year shot to see if it works is really tough to do in reality.

Well, given that Turner and McConnell are both UFAs next offseason and Pascal will be turning 31, the timeline is likely smaller than it appears at surface.

You sound like you want to play it conservative and hope that things pan out. I think the Pacers are good enough to make an all-in move to take the NBA by the throat. With Mikal, they could be champions next season IMO.

You really think a team of Haliburton, Bridges, Siakam, Turner take the nba by the throat? As you pointed out, Turner/McConnell are UfA and Siakam will be turning 31. Seems you’ve pointed out the flaws in that thinking too. Because if that team doesn’t win a championship next year, if they deal BOTH Walker and Mathurin (their two highest draft picks in the last 25 years), they’ve really set themselves back.

[Wizop]

The Pacers just finished what their GM said was year one of a three year plan. It went much better than expected, but I don't think the plan will be abandoned. We've had two top ten picks in well forever. I'll be very disappointed if we trade either one of them.

[oldncreaky]

I think Haliburton, Nembhard, Bridges, Siakam, Turner and Pacer's bench are a pretty good team. Not certain if it would be HCA in the playoffs though.

But most importantly, unless Haliburton commits to becoming a much better defender, I don't see them really contending. He has the length and court awareness to be at least average; he needs the commitment and physical strength as well. This is very doable: it reminds me a little of Isiah Thomas, who was an offensive savant in his first 5 seasons, but the Pistons didn't do anything of note in the playoffs until Isiah and the rest of the team committed to D starting in the 1986-7 season.

Hali should spend the summer in the weight room. And if Haliburton really commits to D, I think the Pacers contend with or without Bridges as long as even one of their half-dozen kids becomes a solid starter+. Bridges is a really nice player, but he's not going to determine Indy's future -- Hali will.

[jayjaysee]

Why would Indiana do it if they only went on a run because other teams had injuries? Theres no way they push in for Bridges if they aren’t actually close.

The OP feels right to me, but I don’t like it for Indy personally? They are in a very safe position for a very long playoff streak again. That’s a good spot to be in with so much young talent that could elevate the team from 2nd round/ECF to championship.

I don’t know if I mind losing the two high lottery pick talents versus one and future pick? That’s creating a small window, but at least the pick debt clears up while the window is still open.

I would just pass on either version for Indy.

[Wizop]

But most importantly, unless Haliburton commits to becoming a much better defender, I don't see them really contending.

The Pacers were a very good third quarter team. I think that was because Haliburton sees the game as a puzzle that he needs to solve. He thinks about what the other team has been doing on defense and adapts as the game goes on.

Why am I saying that here? Because I'm 100% confident that he will spend the summer thinking about what he can do better to help the team. Don't sell his commitment short.

[oldncreaky]

But most importantly, unless Haliburton commits to becoming a much better defender, I don't see them really contending.

The Pacers were a very good third quarter team. I think that was because Haliburton sees the game as a puzzle that he needs to solve. He thinks about what the other team has been doing on defense and adapts as the game goes on.

Why am I saying that here? Because I'm 100% confident that he will spend the summer thinking about what he can do better to help the team. Don't sell his commitment short.

That's a positive sign

Many a GM has looked for players that are, first and foremost, extremely competitive because that is the hallmark of pretty much every winning team in NBA history. Players who really hate to lose will put in the effort on D it requires to not lose. If Hali has this competitive streak -- and I hope he does -- then he'll make what is essentially a year-round commitment, and Indy will have a bright future.

[MessiahUjiri]

Maybe! But Indy also went 4-1 against a pretty much fully healthy Milwaukee during the regular season. And then Indy added Siakam and Milwaukee added Doc Rivers, so I think they’re pretty confident that it could continue.


But mostly I don’t see Mathurin/Walker for Bridges making Indy feel less boxed out of the top of the East than Mathurin or Walker and picks for Bridges, or even just holding onto Mathurin/Walker. Just throwing them both into a deal because they didn’t help a ton this year (as one was “redshirting” and the other required shoulder surgery). If Bridges doesn’t HIT right away, Indy is dealing him next year before he hits unrestricted free agency, as he’s not paid enough to really extend. It’s a REALLY tight rope to walk there, and dealing both of your “top tier draft prospects” in the last 30 years for a one year shot to see if it works is really tough to do in reality.

Well, given that Turner and McConnell are both UFAs next offseason and Pascal will be turning 31, the timeline is likely smaller than it appears at surface.

You sound like you want to play it conservative and hope that things pan out. I think the Pacers are good enough to make an all-in move to take the NBA by the throat. With Mikal, they could be champions next season IMO.

You really think a team of Haliburton, Bridges, Siakam, Turner take the nba by the throat? As you pointed out, Turner/McConnell are UfA and Siakam will be turning 31. Seems you’ve pointed out the flaws in that thinking too. Because if that team doesn’t win a championship next year, if they deal BOTH Walker and Mathurin (their two highest draft picks in the last 25 years), they’ve really set themselves back.

Yeah I get the highest draft pick status, but neither Mathurin/Walker project to be as good as Hali. The pick number becomes irrelevant and more of an anchor in fans mind.

Hali’s big weakness is his defense, otherwise he’s probably got the impact of a top 10 player. Mikal specifically fixes that. He would guard 1-4, and Turner would guard the 5.


I do think this team can win the championship. They can beat both the current NBA finalists:

Hali / McConnell
Nembhard / Sheppard
Mikal / Nesmith
Siakam / Toppin
Turner / JSmith / IJax

[Scoot McGroot]

Well, given that Turner and McConnell are both UFAs next offseason and Pascal will be turning 31, the timeline is likely smaller than it appears at surface.

You sound like you want to play it conservative and hope that things pan out. I think the Pacers are good enough to make an all-in move to take the NBA by the throat. With Mikal, they could be champions next season IMO.

You really think a team of Haliburton, Bridges, Siakam, Turner take the nba by the throat? As you pointed out, Turner/McConnell are UfA and Siakam will be turning 31. Seems you’ve pointed out the flaws in that thinking too. Because if that team doesn’t win a championship next year, if they deal BOTH Walker and Mathurin (their two highest draft picks in the last 25 years), they’ve really set themselves back.

Yeah I get the highest draft pick status, but neither Mathurin/Walker project to be as good as Hali. The pick number becomes irrelevant and more of an anchor in fans mind.

I mean, how many players in the league project to be as good as Haliburton? 5? Kind of hard to justify trading anyone just because of that. Bridges would never be as good as Haliburton, so why should Indy trade for him?

As for pick number, it’s only important here in that you’ve already written off Both players in terms of potential, but they’re drafted in positions, and have shown flashes, that typically show there’s star type potential. And it’s been 2 years or less for both players. Just pointing out that both players CLEARLY have potential, and we can’t simply write them off as finished products already.

Hali’s big weakness is his defense, otherwise he’s probably got the impact of a top 10 player. Mikal specifically fixes that. He would guard 1-4, and Turner would guard the 5.

Yeah. I’m all for acquiring Bridges. I think I was the first here on the forum over the last 2-3 months to start suggesting it. I’m not a fan of overpaying a ton for a guy just to make a move though. That’s the thing I’m pushing back on.

I do think this team can win the championship. They can beat both the current NBA finalists:

Hali / McConnell
Nembhard / Sheppard
Mikal / Nesmith
Siakam / Toppin
Turner / JSmith / IJax

Toppin can’t be back in this situation, financially. Then, either Jalen, Jackson or Nesmith might also have to be included as salary matching/filler, too.

But yeah. Mathurin and pick compensation? Sure. Both Mathurin and Walker? Absolutely cannot. Love Bridges, but don’t feel the need to overpay as if he’s the only possible way to improve the team.

[Wizop]

Here's a podcast suggesting trading TJ to Brooklyn for DFS.

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