NBA Trade Rumors: Pacers ready to trade Caris LeVert, Domantas Sabonis

NBA Trade Rumors: The Indiana Pacers seem ready to blow up the roster. 

The Indiana Pacers have not won a first-round playoff series in nearly a decade. Even though they have made the playoffs five of the last six seasons, this is a franchise that was going nowhere fast and desperately needed some sort of facelift.

Though, it seems as if the decision-makers have finally come to their senses. According to a recent report (subscription required), the Pacers are open to trading Caris LeVert and Domantas Sabonis or Myles Turner.

Of course, the Pacers are not going to simply emerge as sellers just to sell. They likely are only going to make moves if it will securely improve their roster – especially with new head coach Rick Carlisle having, at the very least, a say in the direction of the team.

The Pacers are currently 10-16 and already four games back of the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference. Even fully healthy, it’s easy to see how, while talented, this core isn’t a true threat in the conference.

It may not be a popular outlook, but trading at least some of this core might be the necessary step backward that ultimately leads to definitive improvement.

That leads to defining trade value for each of these players.

Sabonis is likely the player of the bunch that will carry the most trade value on the open market. He’s the best player of the three and is a valuable, versatile modern big that could fit in on any roster. Plus, he’s on a fair contract that still has two years (after this season) remaining on it.

LeVert and Turner are great in specified roles. LeVert has proven that he can be a productive offensive player but has struggled with efficiency over the course of his career. He translates to a good third or fourth option and potentially a super sixth man. He is also an expiring contract after next season.

Turner is one of the best shot-blockers in the league and can stretch the floor as a 3-point shooter. He’s having a career year when it comes to efficiency – 53 percent from the field and 40 percent from 3-point range – as he’s averaging 13 points and eight rebounds per contest. He’s also an expiring contract after next season.

The Pacers have three potentially valuable players that could go a long way in helping a playoff or championship contender. It’ll be interesting to see how this all unfolds over the course of the next couple of months.