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The Indiana Pacers took the 2022 trade deadline as an opportunity to tear down their team and start anew. They took advantage of the opportunity, making them one of the trade deadline's biggest winners. Their only mistake was that they possibly could have squeezed a few more assets from teams that were desperate for upgrades.
Although Myles Turner, one of the more sought-after players at the deadline, wasn't moved, Indiana moved just about every other meaningful player they could. They moved Domantas Sabonis, Caris LeVert and several veteran role players to get young players and several draft picks. Tyrese Haliburton, a (protected) 2022 first-round pick and a 2022 second-round pick that belongs to the Houston Rockets highlight the assets they acquired.
Now, the Pacers can get looks at even more young talent through the buyout market. The best course of action is to look for any intriguing player they can get and give them a shot to show they can be an impactful player.
Pacers Buyout Candidates
3. D.J. Augustin
At the age of 34, Augustin obviously does not fit the bill as a young guy. However, he does fit the bill as a prototypical floor general. With Haliburton and Malcolm Brogdon as the team's only reliable point guards, Augustin can fill in as an option off the bench. Especially with Brogdon nursing a sore Achilles tendon, having a veteran point guard would be beneficial.
This season with the Rockets, he is averaging just 5.4 points and 2.2 assists. He is also shooting 40.4 percent from beyond the 3-point arc, though, which the Pacers could really use. His steady presence should be beneficial to young guys trying to find their ways like the newly acquired Jalen Smith and Goga Bitadze.
2. Armoni Brooks
The 23-year-old Brooks was waived by the Rockets. He would be useful off the bench for a Pacers team whose 3-point percentage ranks 25th in the league. The addition of Buddy Hield should help their percentage go up and adding Brooks could help even more.
This year has not been too kind to the 6-foot-3 shooting guard. His 3-point percentage this season is a putrid 30 percent. Last season, Brooks shot 38.2 percent from deep. Having playmakers like Haliburton and Brogdon should be very beneficial for him. If he rediscovers his stroke, he could become a valuable floor spacer.
Indiana does have some intriguing young shooters like Chris Duarte, Terry Taylor and Duane Washigton Jr. But shooting is something that teams can never have too much of. Brooks deserves consideration due to his shooting and scoring.
1. KZ Okpala
Okpala was waived by the Oklahoma City Thunder after being dealt away from the Miami Heat. The 32nd overall pick of the 2019 draft has untapped potential as a versatile defender and scorer off the wing. He could become a long-term piece for the Pacers as they look to rebuild.
At 6-foot-8, Okapala can occupy either forward spot and take on whoever is in front of him. Alongside Turner, he can help elevate the team's lackluster defense. He showed that he isn't afraid to guard anyone during his stint with the Nigerian national team during the Olympics. His energy and sense of anticipation at the point of attack helped lead a stunning victory over Team USA.
Okpala is improving offensively, shooting a career-high 34.6 percent from deep. He is best served as a cutter and spot-up shooter and can serve either role decently.
