3. Wizards convince Pacers to give up 3 draft picks
The Pacers are in the market for an upgrade at the four. They are most heavily linked to Pascal Siakam, but he is on an expiring contract. That is a risky bet for a small market team. Siakam has stated his desire to reach free agency if he gets traded, and the Pacers would have to pay a significant price to land the two-time All-Star.
Indiana should be looking to get a four with multiple years of team control. Tyrese Haliburton’s hamstring injury could impact their desire to buy, but Kuzma is just starting a four-year $90 million contract and could be the second-leading scorer for the Pacers. This trade may just get the deal done.
Buddy Hield can likely be flipped before the deadline for at least a couple of second-round picks to further increase Washington’s haul. If it turns into one unprotected first plus five seconds, that is significant. The Wizards could use the picks or look to package them for a piece that helps them in the future.
The Pacers have Buddy Hield and T.J. McConnell on the trade block. How much draft capital are they willing to give up for Kyle Kuzma? One first-round pick is a must, but can the Wizards convince a desperate team to part with a second? A fellow Eastern Conference foe may be that team.