The Indiana Pacers have completed their final trade moves of the deadline, the second being particularly noteworthy for potential changes in player rotations. Following the trade of Buddy Hield to the Philadelphia 76ers earlier in the day, which involved Marcus Morris, three second-round picks, and Furkan Korkmaz, the Pacers have subsequently traded Morris, a second-round pick, and cash to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for Doug McDermott, a former Pacer and beloved figure among fans.
For the San Antonio Spurs, this trade primarily secures an additional second-round pick and cash in exchange for the expiring contract of McDermott. They plan to release Marcus Morris to create space on their roster and move forward with their plans.
On the other hand, for the Indiana Pacers, this trade brings back some much-needed shooting ability and adds a positive presence to the locker room, addressing concerns about the departure of Hield. There were worries about how Tyrese Haliburton, in particular, would react to the trade, considering his close friendship with Hield. However, basketball being a business, Haliburton is likely to understand the move from a professional standpoint.
McDermott’s performance with the Spurs demonstrates his capability as a consistent shooter from beyond the arc, aligning well with the Pacers’ needs for improved wing performance and a reliable scoring option off the bench. With this trade, the Pacers make marginal improvements and add depth to their roster, positioning themselves solidly for playoff contention.
In summary, this trade represents a significant but steady move for the Pacers, who had already made a major trade earlier in acquiring Pascal Siakam. The addition of McDermott and the earlier inclusion of Corey Joseph from the same draft class in 2018 further bolster the team’s depth and chemistry. Overall, the Pacers’ deadline performance earns a solid B grade, reflecting incremental improvements and additional assets gained.
