The Indiana Pacers have Goran Dragic as a trade target and if the team thinks about trading Roy Hibbert this summer, the Phoenix Suns could be a solid match for a deal and this comes as Marc Stein of ESPN is reporting that Rodney Stuckey is a target in free agency for the team following the signing of Lance Stephenson to the Charlotte Hornets.
According to ESPN.com, the Pacers are "dreaming" about a trade for Dragic this summer as a way to upgrade over George Hill and this comes as Stein is reporting about the interest for Stuckey. Pro Basketball Talk reported on the Hibbert trade possibilities and sources said that the Pacers are "quietly" shopping Hibbert and a team that could be interested in the Trail Blazers, as they gave Hibbert and offer sheet before the Pacers matched. The Suns have a glut of guards after signing Isaiah Thomas and while they love Dragic, the team could look at trading him.
The Pacers feel they are very close to a championship run and that the point guard position is one area where they can get better. Stuckey is a solid option, but getting Dragic would be amazing, as he would be a major upgrade over Hill and he also has a team friendly contract for this season, which is one reason why the Suns may not trade him. Dragic won most improved player last season and since the Suns also need to sign back restricted free agent Eric Bledsoe and that could be an opening for the Pacers.
Indiana wasn't trying hard to sign Lance Stephenson this offseason, offering him a five year deal worth $44 million and now he is with the Hornets after signing a $27 million deal. Stephenson felt that getting more money for less years was a better play and now the Pacers will have to find a way to make up for his production. While the Pacers loved Stephenson and his talent, they did not like his antics on the court and off, as he reportedly rubbed some teammates the wrong way with his play in the second half of the season.
The Pacers need to make some sort of move, as they now have some heavy competition in the central division. LeBron James has returned to Cleveland, while the Chicago Bulls are stronger and have added Pau Gasol and are getting back Derrick Rose. Last season Stephenson set career highs in nearly every category, including points per game, minutes, shooting percentage and rebounds and while the Pacers will miss him, they have no problems letting him go.
Stuckey would be a solid option fi the team can't pull off the deal for Dragic, but making that move would put the team ahead of many in the east. Adding someone like Dragic could change the team overall and it could be the second time in a row these teams deal, as Luis Scola was traded last season. Stephenson was a favorite of Larry Bird, but he is now gone, while Stuckey comes in after averaging 13.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game with the Pistons last season.
