DALLAS, TX - MAY 05: Ian Mahinmi #28 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrates after scoring against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the 2012 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center on May 5, 2012 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The Indiana Pacers have made a surprising move on the first day of official signings and moves by opting to trade point guard Darren Collison and veteran wingman Dahntay Jones to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for center Ian Mahinmi, reported by Jonathan Gavony of DraftExpress. The move is certainly a surprising for the Pacers, who have opted in Larry Bird's tenure to "trade up" in talent, but the first true move under Kevin Pritchard and Donnie Walsh is the Pacers trading for size.
However, the move may not be the only one on the Pacers' plate, as Adrian Wojnarowski reports, they are currently in discussions with the Charlotte Bobcats for restricted free agent D.J. Augustin. The move itself doesn't make much sense unless the Pacers are able to add Augustin. Despite Lance Stephenson's quality play thus far at the Orlando Summer League, he can't go into training camp as the clear #2 on the depth chart. He still has much he needs to improve on to be a big part of a team aiming for postseason success.
Augustin, on the other hand, struggled mightily with the Bobcats last season, though how much can actually be contributed to him and not the situation he was put in to need to be a team leader when he looks more like a backup point guard. On the bright side, Augustin's 6.4 assists with Charlotte was better than Collison's 4.8 with a better team. If Augustin can be a better passer, the move itself may result in an upgrade.
Mike Wells also reports that Gerald Green has moved to the top of Indiana's free agency wishlist. For the time being, share your thoughts on the trade as it stands, whether D.J. Augustin (on a second deal) can provide more value than Collison if they can acquire him, and what doors this could potentially open for other moves on the roster.


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