Apr 15, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert (55) reacts during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies beat Indiana Pacers 95-83 Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Kevin Martin to Indiana, Roy Hibbert to Boston
Kevin Martin is a veteran on a rebuilding team, so he is likely out the door. Finding a team to send him to was difficult, because most of these teams did not have young pieces the Timberwolves would desire. Enter Boston, who has an intriguing young piece in James Young and nobody who can protect the rim.
Okay, so here’s how the deal works. Provided Roy Hibbert opts in, which the Pacers apparently do not want. The Celtics send the 28th pick, James Young, and Gerald Wallace to Minnesota, Minny sends Kevin Martin to Indy, and the Pacers send Hibbert to the Celtics.
Minnesota collects assets and can now give Zach LaVine and James Young the minutes they need to progress. It also almost guarantees they will have another very high pick. They also acquire more cheap labor in the form of the 28th pick, which they can use on a project player like Robert Upshaw or Terry Rozier, and it just gives them another shot to get a young player.
The Pacers get rid of Roy Hibbert, therefore opening them up to draft Willie Cauley-Stein if he’s still available. Team President Larry Bird praised Cauley-Stein, calling him a “$100 Million dollar player.” Provided he doesn’t go 5th or 6th, he should be available for Indy, as 7-10 all have centers in place (so do 5 and 6, but neither can protect the rim and I’m not sold on either of their managements not doing something ill advised).
Also, if they can talk Minnesota into taking Gerald Wallace (which they may have to give up a future pick), they could have some cap space this summer. The Pacers have really struggled with outside shooting and scoring, and Kevin Martin fills both needs. Paul George and CJ Miles can also do the dirty work on defense and let Martin just focus on offense. George Hill is also very strong for a point guard, so hiding him won’t be a problem on defense.
Boston rolled out bit-part players such as Kelly Olynyk and Tyler Zeller at center, obviously their weakest position. Everyone thought they were going to tank this year, but they’re winning games either by mistake or on purpose.
They may also have some high picks coming to them anyways, as per the trade they made with Brooklyn for Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce. By adding Hibbert, they can add an elite rim protector and defender without giving up anyone in their rotation.
Olynyk and Sullinger can shoot well enough that the lane won’t be too clogged, and maybe Hibbert’s post game will get a little better with the added space. Hibbert only has one year left on his deal, so it would at least be worth a shot.
Next: Gibson to Toronto