Author: Monojit Mandal
According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports and Michael Grange of Sportsnet, the Indiana Pacers have begun an exhaustive search for possible trades, including Tobias Harris, O.G. Anunoby and Harrison Barnes, in order to improve their forward position.
The Pacers have been aggressively searching for starting-level forwards in the NBA over the past year, with Harris, Anunoby and Barnes emerging as important targets, according to sources. There was also speculation about a possible trade for Pascal Siakam, Anunoby’s excellent teammate at the Toronto Raptors.
Each player, to varying degrees, offers an upgrade for the Pacers at the forward position. Harris, 30, played a limited role as the fourth offensive option for the Philadelphia 76ers last season. Despite this, he averaged 14.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. Harris focused on improving his mid-range shooting, converting 38.9% of his three-point attempts, as well as becoming a good wing defender.
Barnes, 31, has been a consistent performer for the Sacramento Kings, averaging 15 points and 4.5 rebounds per game last season. Barnes adds a solid set of skills to any club as a role player, with a three-point shooting percentage of 37.4.
Anunoby, 25, has the profile of the most sought-after 3-and-D wing in the NBA today. He demonstrated his ability last season, averaging 16.8 points, five rebounds, two assists and 1.9 steals per game. Anunoby’s three-point percentage was 38.7%, making him a great match for the Pacers’ young core, which included Tyrese Haliburton, Jalen Smith, Bennedict Mathurin and Jarace Walker.
Siakam, a 29-year-old forward, on the other hand, would give the Pacers the most star power and scoring ability. Siakam’s perimeter shooting percentage was 32.4% after a season in which he averaged 24.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game.
While Harris and Barnes would be good supporting players for Indiana’s younger stars, and Anunoby would fit in well with the Pacers’ schedule, Siakam’s age and prime years may not be compatible with the Pacers’ young core. Acquiring Siakam would not only be expensive, but it would also be difficult to integrate him into the team’s long-term plans, making him the least viable of the players discussed.