Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal 

This is off-brand for the Pacers. This risk-averse franchise usually avoids taking a step backward. Sure. With that said, the potential reward here could be irresistible to them. 

Just imagine a Myles Turner / Jonathan Isaac frontcourt. How will opposing teams score? Turner is an elite rim protector who can survive switches, and Isaac can guard anyone, in any situation, at any moment. 

With that said, we’ve spent too much time on Isaac in this piece. Ironically, he’s not even the main reason the Pacers do this deal.

Simply put, they’re flipping Hield for a first-round pick. If Isaac can get healthy, that’s just a massive bonus. 

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Buddy Hield, Indiana Pacers & Orlando Magic Updates

Regardless of how the NBA Draft Lottery pans out, the Pacers would benefit from adding Isaac’s skill-set. He could be a versatile option off the bench, or be a veteran stopgap until a rookie develops.