The Indiana Pacers could be in for a long season without star swingman Paul George, who broke his leg during a scrimmage for Team USA this summer while preparing for the FIBA World Cup. George was the Pacers' top scorer and wing defender, and the Pacers could look to tank the year and acquire a top draft pick.
In order to sink to the bottom of the lottery, Indiana may try to deal center Roy Hibbert. While Hibbert is among the elite rim protectors in the NBA, he has failed to develop into a consistent offensive threat. He even posted several scoreless stat lines during the playoffs this past summer.
Can confirm @TSpence26 report that #Pacers have received call from #Cavaliers. Teams discussing a Roy Hibbert trade. #NBA
— Evan Massey (@massey_evan) September 28, 2014
Latest: #Cavaliers and #Pacers have had discussions on Roy Hibbert, but are looking to bring a third team in to make salaries work. #NBA — Evan Massey (@massey_evan) September 28, 2014
According to reports, the Cleveland Cavaliers have interest in acquiring Hibbert. He looks to be an ideal fit for the new-look Cavaliers. His inconsistent scoring output is a non-issue with the Cavs, who can rely on LeBron James, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving to carry the load. He also wouldn't interfere with Love's game, as Love shot 37.6 percent from 3-point range last season.
Love is also an elite rebounder; Hibbert has come under fire in the past for low rebound totals that are not consistent with his size.
In return, the Pacers are expected to ask for shooting guard Dion Waiters. This offseason they allowed Lance Stephenson to leave for the Charlotte Hornets, but now sorely lack perimeter firepower after George's injury. Waiters is known to have clashed with Irving last season, largely because both are shoot-first guards.
Last year Waiters averaged 15.9 points while shooting 43 percent from the field and 37 percent from beyond the arc.
Hibbert has a prohibitive salary this season that costs more than $14 million, so Anderson Varejao's expiring contract is likely to be included in any potential trade. Hibbert also has a player option for $15 million next season.
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