The Pacers “have definitely left the impression” with rival teams that they are aiming to trade guard Malcolm Brogdon, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line.
Stein added that he suspects that the idea of the Pacers wanting to trade Brogdon is “very likely.”
Brogdon, 29, has long been one of the league’s most underrated backcourt men, an team-first player who can score and run the point. So while the Pacers greatly appreciate him, it might make sense to explore deals, as he could likely bring back a nice return.
Indiana also is undergoing a bit of a youth movement, landing dynamic guard Tyrese Haliburton as part of a February trade with the Kings. Haliburton and Brogdon play the same position — though Brogdon said earlier in the week that he thinks the two can thrive together.
“I want to be here,” Brogdon said, via Joel Lorenzi of the Indianapolis Star. “I feel like I’ve built a home here. They’ve paid me here and extended me here. And I fit. I like Carlisle, I like the coaching staff and I love my teammates.
“This is a player’s league, but a lot of time we don’t make the decisions. So for me it’s about getting healthy, getting better this summer and coming back ready.”
The Pacers finished 25-57 under coach Rick Carlisle, who returned to the franchise after a successful 13-year run with the Mavericks.
While the Pacers rarely play for picks, they will be in the NBA Draft lottery this year, with the fifth-best odds of winning. They also own two second-rounders — the first of the second round, No. 31 overall (via the Rockets), and the final one of the entire draft, No. 60 overall (from the Suns).
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