The Indiana Pacers have the best offense in the NBA. You might assume they’re one of the league’s best teams when you hear that fact. You’d be wrong. The Pacers are good but not on top of the standings.
There’s no polite way to say it: the defense is awful. This team struggles to get stops on a nightly basis. The Pacers seem to know this – they’re frequently linked to defensive-minded 4s.
To be sure, the Pacers have a hole in their rotation at that position. They’ll likely look to fill it with a quality defender. Is there a world where they double down on offense instead?
Here’s a deal that has them landing Miles Bridges of the Charlotte Hornets.
NBA Trade Proposal: Indiana Pacers Land Charlotte Hornets’ Miles Bridges
Charlotte Hornets Receive: G TJ McConnell, 2025 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – IND)
Indiana Pacers Receive: F Miles Bridges
All told, the Pacers aren’t in a bad place. They’ve got the best offense in the NBA. Moreover, their best player is a young, dynamic point guard. Tyrese Haliburton has emerged as a true superstar in this league.
Few point guards can combine his size, floor vision, and shooting. On the other hand, one point guard with all of those qualities comes to mind. Why haven’t the Hornets had the same success with LaMelo Ball?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Miles Bridges, Charlotte Hornets, Indiana Pacers Updates
Is it roster construction? Coaching? Ball’s health? In all likelihood, it’s all of the above. The Hornets found their franchise player, but they haven’t been able to take the next step.
Does this deal get them there?
Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal
This deal doesn’t make Charlotte better now. If this team is focused on improving their win-now outlook, they won’t like this. Should that be where the Hornets are focused?
After all, they’re among the worst teams in the NBA. Meanwhile, Bridges is due to hit free agency this summer. The Hornets may benefit from moving on from the athletic forward before they risk losing him without receiving anything in return.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Miles Bridges, Charlotte Hornets, Indiana Pacers Updates
So, they’re flipping him for a protected first. With Bridges due to hit free agency, that ought to be his market value. Should the Pacers invest in a potential flight risk?
Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal
The best teams in the NBA are typically two-way teams. With that said, if you’re going to lean in one direction, you should choose offense. It feels like that’s the identity that Indiana is carving out.
Sure, they could go get a defensive wing. Will that be enough to shift the balance? This is the best offense and the worst defense in the league. It may require a roster overhaul to change that equation.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Miles Bridges, Charlotte Hornets, Indiana Pacers Updates
Besides, Bridges isn’t an incompetent defender – he’s an average one. Still, his ability to finish in transition, cut, and space the floor should make life easier for Haliburton. By acquiring him, the Pacers can make the best offense in the NBA even better.
