Moving Andrew Nembhard before the trade deadline could help avoid a tax issue next season, but the Pacers are more focused on winning than their financial future, according to Fred Katz of The Athletic.
Nembhard, a 25-year-old guard, is only making $2MM this season, but that will increase to $18.1MM when his extension begins in 2025/26. Katz notes that Indiana could deal him now for a low-salaried player and create a significant savings on next year’s payroll. Because he was a second-round pick in 2022, Nembhard isn’t affected by base year compensation language in the collective bargaining agreement.
However, Katz hears that the Pacers view Nembhard as part of their future and plan to hold onto him even if it means going into luxury tax territory for the first time in 20 years. Sources tell Katz that teams have inquired about Nembhard’s availability, but haven’t been able to make any progress in trade talks.
Nembhard is averaging career highs with 10.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game in his third NBA season. Katz notes that Indiana is better by 15 points per 100 possessions when he’s on the court, which is the fourth-best differential in the league.
The Pacers currently have 10 players under contract for next season at a total cost of about $165MM, which is $23MM short of the projected tax line. That’s without starting center Myles Turner, who is on an expiring $19.9MM contract and has been the subject of recent trade rumors.
Indiana would almost certainly be in tax territory if Turner is re-signed, but league sources tell Katz that “all signs” point to Turner not being traded before next week’s deadline. He adds that the Pacers have surged to fifth place in the East after a slow start and have no desire to weaken their roster before the playoffs.
Katz hears that Obi Toppin, who’s on the books for $14MM next season, has been discussed with other teams, though sources tell him there “hasn’t been much traction” toward a deal. Katz suggests Indiana may be able to trade Toppin for an expiring deal now, whereas waiting until the summer and just unloading his contract at that point might mean giving up draft assets to anyone willing to take on his contract.
If I’m the pacers everyone not named Haliburton and Siakim are open to offers.
Turner is on an expiring who knows how expensive he will be. He’s got a great skill set but this season his defence has gotten worse and he’s never been a good rebounder.
Nembhart at 20mil giving you 10-5-3 isn’t really great.
Toppin needs a fresh start somewhere else.
Even Ben Sheppard who I like, cash in on if the price is right.
I’d love to see the pacers target Ausar Thompson from Detroit. Look how good his twin brother has been in Houston, this year Ausar is getting less minutes, less shots and less opportunities than in his rookie year. He’d be great for Indiana with his defence and rebounding.
Even DeAndre Ayton I think could be a good piece for them. His athleticism, rebounding and would fit well on Halliburton’s timeline.
Abit more bulky but the rockets have loads of talent on their team. Sengun Green Thompson Eason Whitmore Sheppard Jabari etc. i don’t know what the chance would be on them even being interested in making a move because of how they are playing his year but I’d jump at the chance to add Dillon Brooks, Steven Adams and Cam Whitmore if your Indy.
Brooks obviously isn’t a long term piece with there many wings/forwards. He’s a great culture guy that plays both ends of the floor and he’d slot in nicely at SF for Indy. Adams would be a good Turner replacement if he was to get moved. He’s the strongest player in the league, excellent defender, rebounder, screen setter and again culture guy. Then lastly may aswell try take one of the their young guys and Cam would be a great fit with Tyrese at the 2 spot cause he has a bag of tricks and provides instant offence.
Either way Indy should be chasing talent and looking at what’s available not shutting up shop at the deadline. They haven’t been good enough to say we don’t want to do anything
They are 10-2 in the month of January and made the conference finals last year. No need for any drastic changes. And clearly you don’t watch them much saying nembhard isn’t all that good. Best guard defender they have. No surprise they have taken off since he came back from injury.
Nembhard’s numbers are low because he’s the 4th or 5th option on the team but still has plenty of value. Best guard defender, secondary ball handler, and a “backup” point guard for when Hali is on the bench or having a bad night. Sure they could move Nembhard and then they’ll be back to looking for a replacement for him anyway (a guard/wing defender with the ability to run the offense at times).
Could probably argue that Indy can’t really afford to be paying their 4th or 5th best player $20m per year but they also aren’t a free agent destination so they’re going to “overpay” for their own guys. Imo if Nembhard is moved at some point he might actually have more value once his contract kicks in because his salary is a closer match for apron teams or could be used to acquire 2-3 rotation pieces.
Focused on winning? Suckers, I guess. Turner is an essential piece THIS SEASON. If that wasn’t good enough to keep him when the team is solidly in the playoffs (as they are), then he should have been moved prior to the season. Nembhard might have more to another team than he has to IND. It’s a call they have to make, but, please, no return pieces that can’t help the team win.
Juat content with being mid. We know they won’t make the conference finals again any time soon.