With rumors circling that Danny Granger is on the outs in Indiana, was the 2012-13 season his last in Pacer blue and gold?    Darron Cummings AP/PHOTO CREDITS

Indiana Pacers’ Trade Rumors: Buy or Sell

After pushing the Miami Heat to seven games in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Pacers will look to bolster an already extremely talented roster. Veteran power forward David West will certainly resign with the team, as he knows the Pacers are the right fit for him. But with trade rumors circulating that small forward Danny Granger may be on the outs, there is a bit of uncertainty heading into the draft. There are a number of draft day trades involving Granger floating around NBA trade mills, some more likely than others. Additionally, recent reports say the Pacers are willing to part with the 23rd pick in a package with Gerald Green. After a disappointing first season in Indiana, Gerald Green is undoubtedly on the trading block for any team in desire of the swingman’s services. Now, let’s play buy and sell with the latest Indiana Pacers’ trade rumors.

1.       Danny Granger to Clippers for Eric Bledsoe and Caron Butler

Although Granger has battled injuries over the past couple of seasons, he still is a very coveted asset around the league. According to sources, the Los Angeles Clippers are one of a few teams around the league desperately vying for the small forward’s services. For Indiana, receiving a promising young guard in Eric Bledsoe and a proven scorer in Caron Butler would be a great return on investment. Not only would it fulfill Indiana’s need at the point guard position, and also provide the Pacers’ second unit with a much-needed veteran scorer.

                      Verdict: Buy

This deal simply makes too much sense for both sides. Indiana receives two valuable assets in return for a player coming off a season-ending knee injury. For the Clippers, they would finally be able to shop Chris Paul’s backup, Eric Bledsoe, for a former NBA all-star. And if it does not work out for Los Angeles, Granger is only there for one season.  However, Los Angeles continues to talk with the Orlando Magic regarding a possible Arron Afflalo for Bledsoe and Butler trade. According to sources, talks between Orlando and Los Angeles are heating up, if the Pacers want to make this trade they will have to act fast.

2.       Danny Granger to Cavaliers for the #1 overall pick

With former D-League Player of the Year Alonzo Gee receiving the majority of minutes in Cleveland, owner Dan Gilbert and the Cavaliers will be looking for an upgrade at the small forward position. Additionally, the Cavaliers are far enough under the cap that they could take on Granger’s expiring contract for one season, in hopes of making the postseason next year (And going after Lebron James next summer in free agency).  For Indiana, why not take a chance on a young prospect?

                      Verdict: Sell

Although the Cavaliers will try to add as much talent as possible by next year in order to make a run at the postseason, this trade simply does not work in their favor. Trading the first overall pick, in which the team could invest in a promising young talent, for a veteran player returning from a season-ending knee injury is not a wise investment. The team would only look to keep Granger for one season, in hopes of making a splash in free agency next summer.

3.       Gerald Green and the #23 pick to Sacramento for Jimmer Fredette

Sacramento currently holds the seventh pick in Thursday’s draft but is looking to trade for another pick near the later stages of the first round, according to league sources. The Kings will use former Brigham Young sharpshooter Jimmer Fredette as bait. Indiana is reportedly shopping their first round pick in order to get rid of Gerald Green’s contract.

                      Verdict: Buy

Although the King’s would have to take on the $3.5 million contract next year, it would be a wise choice in exchange for another first round pick. According to reports, the Kings are targeting former college standouts Tony Snell and Tim Hardaway Jr., both of which should be around at that point in the draft. From the Pacers’ perspective, Donnie Walsh needs to pull the trigger on this trade as fast as possible. Although the team would be giving up their only pick in the first round, they would be filing in the backup point guard position with Jimmer Fredette. Fredette will bring an increased presence around the perimeter in the second unit, which the Pacers need badly. Additonally, Indiana is attempting to increase cap space in order to sign a veteran sharpshooter, most likely Kyle Korver or J.J. Reddick. And above all that, the team can finally be done with the Gerald Green experiment, which has been nothing but horrific.

4.       Danny Granger to Bucks for Brandon Jennings

With Monta Ellis opting out of the final year of his contract and Brandon Jennings reportedly wanting to leave town, Milwaukee executives will have their hands full over the next month. After having one of the strongest backcourt combinations in 2013, the team could have neither of its two stars in the lineup in 2014. Although Jennings is a restricted free agent, the Bucks are, at this point, very unlikely to resign the former high school star. The deal would have to get done by trading Granger for Jennings in a sign-and-trade.

                       Verdict: Sell (At least for now)

Although the trade would work logistically for both teams, I see it benefiting Milwaukee more so than Indiana. By trading Jennings and absorbing Granger’s contract for one season, the Bucks will receive a major upgrade at the small forward position and also set themselves up to be players in free agency next season. For Indiana, I cannot see the Pacers’ front office making this trade. Jennings, who has historically been a selfish and outspoken player (Mini Dwight Howard), would struggle to work into Indiana’s rotation. While there is no doubt about his basketball talents, (And adding a great point guard is all the Pacers need to reach the NBA Finals) his current stature does not offer anything significant to the Pacers. Would he start over George Hill? Could the team play small and move George Hill to shooting guard? If Jennings is a sub-par defender, how will he fit into the team’s defensive mindset? How will Jennings running the point affect the team’s chemistry? Is Jennings even worth a max contract? To me, there are simply too many questions at this point. While both teams would be making major upgrades, the Indiana front office would be tentative to make any move that could jeopardize the team’s chemistry.