Indiana Pacers Have Busy First Day Working NBA Free Agent Market

by Tom Lewis on Nov 30, 2011 11:18 PM EST in Indiana Pacers News

NBA front offices were back in business on Wednesday, allowed to talk with player agents about available free agents while dealing with one another in order to shake up rosters.

The Indiana Pacers started the day with fresh rumors about working with the Boston Celtics to land point guard Rajon Rondo in a three-team deal involving Chris Paul. By lunch, reports of Paul not being interested in signing a contract extension with the C's squashed that story...for now. Kevin Garnett had the same reservations in 2007 before eventually joining the Celtics.

As for free agents, no surprise that the Pacers were linked among the teams talking with David West and former Purdue forward Carl Landry. Mike Wells also tweeted the common sense approach the Pacers plan to take with West.

Yes, the Pacers have interest in West, but don't expect them to pay big $$$ for a 31 yr old player coming off knee surgery.

Not bad for the first day. Thursday should be entertaining, as well with Larry Bird and David Morway scheduled to speak to the media at 11:00AM. As for the players, they are expected to be in town by this weekend to begin working out on their own at the Fieldhouse until the coaches can begin coaching on December 9th. Hopefully the labor deal will be finalized before then and the league just opens things up for everyone.

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Careful

It’s exciting that the Pacers finally have some money. Now they have to be careful not to overdo it and put themselves in a bad spot again.

It appears Bird has the right mindset. Even if it means doing nothing this year, it’s vital not to overspend. West is probably going to be overpaid somewhere. Hope it’s not in Indiana.

by Mr_Indy on Dec 1, 2011 12:43 AM EST via iPhone app reply actions

Besides looking into Milsap

which I’m sure they will. They should also check on Josh Smith. He still wants to go somewhere. I’m not saying he’s the answer, but he is an upgrade at PF as we all know.

I bet the Hawks would want Hibbert the more I think about it. Just so Horford can move to PF.

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So Thugs never have it easy = Thug Life
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by SpaceCowboy1984 on Dec 1, 2011 1:57 AM EST reply actions

Right

I gotta assume any realistic Josh Smith to Indy scenario starts and ends with Hibbert to the ATL to give him a Horford/Roy frontline (which’d be GREAT). But that’s a completely non starter for me. I’m pretty intrigued with Smith, but strictly because he’s able to cover a lot of Roy’s flaws. You swap them for each other, then well, what’s the point?

Sup Jello Shot?

by IndyPacers on Dec 1, 2011 4:28 AM EST up reply actions

this x1000

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by dbcb on Dec 1, 2011 12:06 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

well said

by pendulum55 on Dec 1, 2011 5:16 AM EST reply actions

About David West

First off the Pacers would give David West big money for a one year deal. But for that to happen Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny have to exist. David West on a 3 year 30 million dollar deal is also debatable, but may not happen since he turned down 5 year deal in the big easy. That way the Pacers could sign West, a low risk high reward player or 2 to a one year dea,l and Jeff Foster and still play the season. Then if the Pacers feel West is too old and would rather make a run at someone like Dwight Howard they could always buy out his contract midway though the season and release him in 2012. I Know it’s crazy but the Pacers serously have that much cap space. And next season if they don’t spend much in the free agent market they will have even more if they elect to use Dahntay Jones as the player they will release either this season or next season since the new CBA allows teams to release one player (well maybe that’s just the teams over the cap).

by PatsR18andDONEwithoutCHEATING on Dec 1, 2011 9:47 AM EST reply actions

What's the point

of doing something to make a run at Dwight Howard or any of those names? They aren’t coming here. Eric Gordon would be the only “name” that would even think about coming here, and I think that is a huge long shot.

by SunnyD1988 on Dec 1, 2011 2:04 PM EST up reply actions