Even after the Indiana Pacers picked up Tony Bradley's $2.9 million team option to kick off free agency, they are expected to seriously bolster their frontcourt. They tendered a qualifying offer to Isaiah Jackson, who missed last season with a torn Achilles, although they are expected to make even more moves.
With Myles Turner expected to re-sign (everything is based on expectations until free agency officially starts) this summer, they still need a reliable backup. The Phoenix Suns are expected to guarantee Nick Richard's contract before fielding calls on him this summer, and the Pacers won't be the only team in the mix.
"Richards has a $5 million non-guaranteed salary for the 2025-26 season expected to be guaranteed by the Suns, which will give the team the ability to trade him," reported HoopsHype's Michael Scotto. "Richards has drawn trade interest from several teams, including the New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers, and Los Angeles Lakers."
Richards averaged 9.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks in 36 games for the Suns last season. Before the trade deadline, the Suns sent Josh Okogie and three second-round picks to the Charlotte Hornets to add him, with the hopes of making the playoffs.
The Suns fell short, and the Knicks, Lakers, and Pacers will all have ample assets to build a quality trade package to add the seven-footer.
While the Pacers, after losing Tyrese Haliburton to an Achilles tear, are not working with the same desperation as the Lakers or Knicks, offering Jarace Walker or draft capital that LA and New York lack should be enough to seal the deal.
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