Never done Before(yeah sure) Pacers Bulls Celtics all help Each other

[tcheco]

Indy has a trio of Bigs where 2 are coming from season ending injuries, and Huff whom hasnt show enough to be a factor. They also Lost Haliburton 18ppg and Turner 15ppg and dont plan on tanking as they dont own their pick.

Celtics are looking to clear the tax without losing assets since Tatum will be out for the year.

Bulls are always trying to win, and look like they are finally ok with moving Vuch as the ages does not align with Matas, Noa, Giddey and White

Indy trades: Obi Toppin to the Celtics

Celtics trade Simons to the Bulls

Bulls trade Vooch to the Pacers.

Indy gets a 20/10 player that brings two things they lack, scoring and rebounds, that their current C rotation does not provide. If he performs well enough they might elect to keep him long term depending on how much they have to pay Mathurin. They free up minutes for Jarace to play behind Siakam and show his play.

Nembhard / TJ
Mathurin /Sheppard
Nesmith / Furphy
Pascal / Walker
Vucevic/ Huff / Jackson


Celtics get to below the tax without giving up any assets, and get a cost controlled player that can play small ball C and, IMHO is easily movable at that price.

depth not too relevant for this year

Bulls add a 20ppg scorer also expiring but with the age closer to their main players to give it a go and see if he fits the current team. With uncertainty surrounding Giddey contract and White having a Player option, it gives them more options as they acquire his bird rights and opens up their possible future moves

Giddey/Tre/Carter
White/Simons/Ayo
Okoro/Huerter/Ayo
Matas/Noa/Williams
Collins/Jalen

I think Bullds might want to trade Huerter to make it make sense, but I just dont think he is relevant enough to get in the way of this trade.

[jbk1234]

This really comes down to whether you view Toppin as asset on his deal. I suspect the Pacers do and pass.

[Scoot McGroot]

Just as you mention Obi playing small ball 5 minutes for the Celtics, the Pacers likely won’t consider this. For the style Indy plays, Obi at small ball 5, and continuing to develop Jackson/Huff and even Wiseman is likely the better choice.

And Vucevic is starting the season at age 35. There’s no such thing as “keeping him long term”.

[BK_2020]

Obi Toppin isn't playing any small ball C but I'd still do it for the salary dump.

[jayjaysee]

I like Vuc more than most here and think he’d help Indy more than young centers will. And if the young centers perform better than him, would be a good problem to have.

But I don’t see Indy doing the one/one as there’s really no reason to get older this season with Hali out. They can see how their youth develops in a low pressure season.

They’d have to drop to 14 men after this to avoid tax I believe, which isn’t really a big deal but does matter a bit..

[ChettheJet]

I can't imagine the excitement in Indiana when they hear their new starting center is Nikola Vucevic. Doubly so when they realize how many younger, more athletic bigs they've traded away or let go in the past 4 years including Obi.

The Bulls are fine with the swap as soon as they make at least 2 more trades. Simons can't score 20 points off the bench unless Coby White starts and plays 20 minutes while Ayo Dosunmu doesn't play at all. I'm guessing you spend a lot of time on the Bulls' board hearing how Patrick Williams is complete garbage. There's no other way that you think a raw 19 year old like Essengua is going to play over him, , do you have any idea how insane that seems to put down.

To relegate both Dosunmu and Huerter, either of which could start or be first off the bench, to the deep bench is foolish. They don't need to prove themselves, the Bulls would be better off trading at least 3 of their guards to get potential and projects who could split time in the G league and learn the game in practice not being needed in the rotation. Plus they need a 3rd center because both Collins and Smith historically get injured

[brackdan70]

Celtics need to send Pacers a decent 2nd.
I’ve heard Bull have enough Guards,
I think the Celtics might consider this despite the future money.

[oldncreaky]

Just as you mention Obi playing small ball 5 minutes for the Celtics, the Pacers likely won’t consider this. For the style Indy plays, Obi at small ball 5, and continuing to develop Jackson/Huff and even Wiseman is likely the better choice.

And Vucevic is starting the season at age 35. There’s no such thing as “keeping him long term”.

In a vaccum, I think I'd prefer Obi over Vooch at this stage of their careers. Considering age and contract, I have Obi as the better asset. Also (as jayjaysee noted) this would put Indy over the tax. They could duck the tax by keeping only 14 on the roster, but still, there's no reason to do that in a "reset" season.

Last but not least, Indy has their pick back, don't they?

[Scoot McGroot]

Just as you mention Obi playing small ball 5 minutes for the Celtics, the Pacers likely won’t consider this. For the style Indy plays, Obi at small ball 5, and continuing to develop Jackson/Huff and even Wiseman is likely the better choice.

And Vucevic is starting the season at age 35. There’s no such thing as “keeping him long term”.

In a vaccum, I think I'd prefer Obi over Vooch at this stage of their careers. Considering age and contract, I have Obi as the better asset. Also (as jayjaysee noted) this would put Indy over the tax. They could duck the tax by keeping only 14 on the roster, but still, there's no reason to do that in a "reset" season.

Last but not least, Indy has their pick back, don't they?

Correct. At this time, Indy owns no extra 1sts, and owes no one any 1sts (or swaps). They also own 2 extra future 2nds, and owe 2 future 2nds. There's some other 2nd round swaps (2 where Indy is the beneficiary, and 1 where Indy is not), but by and large, a pretty clear draft deck going forward for Indy.

[daoneandonly]

Obi >>>> Vuc, I think Indy passes easily

[PistolPeteJR]

Indy doesn't consider this at all. A lumbering big that can't defend is the last thing they need. Obi's floor-spacing, athleticism and switching ability, let alone his age, are much more in line with Indy's needs today and tomorrow.

[Ball4life32]

Pacers own their pick. Pelicans took their 2025 pick