At 10-15, the Indiana Pacers are in a dark spot, especially when compared to their success from last season. The Pacers have been ravaged by injuries and are expected to make a move before the NBA trade deadline to shore up their depth chart and build themselves up before a playoff run.
The Pacers have been linked to several veteran centers, and the recent waiving of backup big man Moses Brown opened up a roster spot and roughly $2 million in salary space, making a move (big or small) much easier. On Tuesday, head coach Rick Carlisle didn't hide the Pacers' intentions.
On Sunday, December 15, teams can trade players that they signed over the offseason, which opens up a lot of possible moves for the Pacers to make. When asked if waiving Moses Brown was in anticipation of a trade, Carlisle offered a surprisingly honest answer.
"December 15th is getting here somewhat soon. I think there's no secret that that's a day where there's going to be some activity around the league beginning," he said. "And if tangible deals happen on the 15th, there's going to be a lot more talk happening around the league. I don't know if that means anything for us necessarily, but that's a significant date."
Related: Could Pacers Turn To Trade With Nets For Help In Frontcourt?
Usually, when asked about the possibility of a trade, coaches give boilerplate "that's up to the front office" or "we're working with the roster we have" answers.
However, the Pacers have a very clear need in their rotation and don't necessarily have to give up a player to add someone, provided that they don't have a large salary. If they do have a large contract, then Jackson's expiring deal can be used as filler in a possible trade after Sunday.
Related: What Grade Did Pacers Get to Start the Season?
Copyright 2024 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published December 11, 2024, 3:49 PM.