The Indiana Pacers, in this playoff run, beat both the Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers in five games, and with Game 5 in the Eastern Conference Finals scheduled for tonight against the New York Knicks, they could clinch a Finals appearance.
After beating the Bucks in the first round, both Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo have been included in trade rumors, with the Bucks possibly considering a rebuild after their third-straight first-round exit.
The Cavaliers, as well, are considering shaking things up.
“I have been getting the sense that the Cavs would be more willing to entertain and at least consider possibilities for Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland than they have in the past," reported insider Chris Fedor.
With Giannis, Lillard, Allen, and Garland all possibly on the trade block, the Pacers are responsible for both the Bucks and Cavs looking at making massive roster changes.
The Knicks, who are one game away from having their season ended, might be next.
After pulling off massive trades to add Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns this offseason, rumors (however credible) have started to swirl already, suggesting that the Knicks could send Towns to the Phoenix Suns for Kevin Durant or to the Bucks for Antetokounmpo.
OG Anunoby and Josh Hart have also had their name mentioned in rumors, although Towns' massive salary makes him the easiest piece to move in a deal for an established superstar.
While these rumors haven't gained much mainstream traction yet, if the Pacers can finish the job and eliminate New York, expect credible sources to start reporting that exploratory talks will happen this summer.
The Pacers, it seems, have taken the East by surprise and are responsible for a shuffling of the NBA deck.
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