NBA Rumors: Pacers Considering Buying Out Forward

The Indiana Pacers recently made waves with a trade this past week when they completed a trade for Tristan Thompson, Buddy Hield, and most surprisingly - Tyrese Haliburton from the Sacramento Kings. In exchange, the Pacers sent back 2x All-Star Domantos Sabonis, Justin Holiday, Jeremy Lamb, and a second-round pick. The move signals the starting of a new era of Indiana basketball, as the Pacers decision to move away from Sabonis could mean that the team entrusts Myles Turner as their big man of the future, or it could simply mean that the team values the shooting and playmaking ability of Hield and Haliburton more that the dependable play in the post from the 6'11" double-double machine.

The Pacers reportedly have zero desire to trade Buddy Hield, despite his considerable value on the trade market as a deadly catch-and-shoot threat:

The #Pacers are NOT trading Buddy Hield ahead of tomorrow’s trade deadline, per source. He will most likely make his debut Friday when Indiana hosts the #Cavs and former guard Caris LeVert.
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) February 10, 2022

Haliburton was the main piece in the trade, and many analysts thought the former 12th overall pick was untouchable ahead of the deadline and was primed to be the cornerstone of the Kings franchise for many years to come. The acquisition of the 21-year-old point guard could prove to be a monumental moment for both franchises, as giving up on such a dynamic player in just his second season is either crazy or genius on Sacramento's part - with recent history suggesting it's the former rather than the latter.

Tristan Thompson was essentially thrown into the deal for salary purposes, and the team is said to still be conflicted over what to do with the remaining $9.7 million left on his contract this season according to the Indianapolis Star:

Thompson's future in Indiana is unclear. The Pacers are still mulling whether to buyout the rest of the $9.7 million he's owed on his expiring contract or to bolster their frontcourt with him. The 6-9 big man was cleared to play Jan. 18 after recovering from a quad injury and non-COVID-19 illness, per CBS Sports, but he has not appeared in a game since.

If Thompson is indeed bought out, the market could be vast with teams interested in his offensive rebounding and pick-and-roll defense.