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Kevin Pritchard has been very aggressive when it comes to acquiring talent for the Indiana Pacers over the past couple of seasons. He had a top-notch offseason with the additions of Malcolm Brogdon, Jeremy Lamb, and T.J. Warren, but there are still a few holes that the team could look to fill.
At the time of this writing, the Pacers are 15-9 and have been able to accomplish that record without star shooting guard Victor Oladipo. Oladipo is likely going to come back within the next month or two from a brutal ruptured quad that he suffered last season. When he returns, this team is going to be a problem for the rest of the NBA.
If they want to stay aggressive, there are a few options that they could look into on the trade market. There is no guarantee that these players will be moved by their teams, but the Pacers should certainly place a call on both of them.
All of that being said, let's dive in and take a look at two players the Pacers should target in trade talks.
Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic
While it wouldn't be cheap for the Pacers to acquire Gordon, there is a chance that they could make a deal with a talent like Myles Turner. The Turner-Domantas Sabonis front-court has not been working out well. Turner is the center of the Indiana defense, but he has been a major liability on the offensive side of the court.
Gordon, on the other hand, would be an ideal stretch power forward to play alongside Sabonis. He can step out and knock down the three and can also make big plays with his athleticism. Indiana has become much more athletic this offseason and acquiring Gordon would go along with that plan.
Orlando has been rumored to be open to listening to trade offers for Gordon. They aren't going to move him just to make a trade, but the Pacers have had previous interest in Gordon and they should revisit that interest.
Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors
Keeping with the idea that Turner could be involved in a trade due to the front-court pairing not working, the Pacers should place a call to the Warriors. Draymond Green may not get moved, but the Warriors are struggling and it would make sense for them to listen to offers for the versatile power forward.
Indiana needs to find a power forward that can play out on the perimeter. They also need a power forward who can shoot, make plays for his teammates, and play defense. Green fits all of those needs.
If the Pacers were able to acquire Green, they would immediately take a jump in the Eastern Conference. Green would provide the Pacers with the toughness and edge that they desperately need. His defense and playmaking ability would be huge additions and would fit perfect with Nate McMillan's system.
Golden State may choose to hold on to Green, but it doesn't hurt for the Pacers to reach out and see if a deal could be possible.
