Two biggest potential trade assets for Pacers revealed

The Indiana Pacers have not been afraid to make big moves on the trade market under Kevin Pritchard. They do a great job of identifying needs and attracting players that meet those needs. In most cases, the Pacers can win any trade they make.

Indiana has played a little better basketball the last few days. They have won four of their last five games and are finally starting to play with some pace. The Pacers are in the midst of their most brutal stretch of the season, schedule-wise. They still have eight more games in a row against teams over .500.

Given the slow start, it’s clear that the Pacers still need to make some improvements to the roster. Becoming healthier has certainly helped them, but there are still some steps they can take. To make moves, the Pacers must have assets that other teams want.

There are two main advantages Indiana has that they can use to get a deal done. One of them is Obi Toppin. Toppin was playing the best offensive basketball of his career earlier this season. He is averaging a career-high in points and rebounds and shooting 55 percent from the field.

Toppin’s contract extension, which he signed in the offseason, is a perfect mid-level salary that can be used in addition to other contracts to land a bona fide star. He signed a four-year, $58 million contract, meaning he will earn $13.5 million this season.

The Pacers’ other big asset on the trade market is Aaron Nesmith. Nesmith, the starting small forward, is someone teams would like to have. He had the best three-point shooting season of his career last season, making 42 percent of his shots from long range.

Nesmith has also proven that he can be a very good full-back. Before he was injured, he was shooting a blistering 55% from deep. His ankle problem is the main issue that could worry other teams. His contract is also reasonable as he earns $11 million.

If the Pacers make a move near the trade deadline, it could affect one of these players. They need to make sure they get someone who is part of the present and the future to move these players because they have been solid contributors to this team.

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