The Indiana Pacers are one of the top young teams in the league and after pushing the Miami Heat to seven games in the Eastern Conference finals, the team feels it is only one or two pieces away from a championship, which is why they are going after Knicks restricted free agent Chris Copeland.
According to Pro Basketball Talk, Copeland is a prime target for the team, as they are looking to improve on offense and after a solid series and season for the Knicks last year, Copeland could be the answer. The Knicks did a good job of scoring during the season, but against the Pacers in the playoffs they ranked much lower, but when Copeland was on the court they did much better and he made 11 of 20 shots during the series. The Pacers appear to like Copeland's game and are ready to offer him a contract, while the Knicks may be weary of matching it based on their salary cap situation.
Copeland didn't get too many minutes against the Pacers and now that the Knicks have traded for Andrea Bargnani from the Raptors, which could mean goodbye for Copeland. The Pacers have cap issues of their own and after signing CJ Watson they could try to add the young star from NY. The Pelicans have shown interest in Copeland as well, but they are also looking to give restricted free agent Tyreke Evans an offer and another to Copeland might be too much after they also traded for Jrue Holliday.
In the Raptors deal, the Knicks sent Marcus Camby, but it is unlikely that he will be playing for the team, as he said he is looking at his options and he could get dealt after July 10 when the trade goes through. The Raptors may try to deal him for another piece and he doesn't want to play there despite being drafted by the team over a decade ago.
The 29-year-old Copeland looks like the Pacers are his best option, as he could get starting minutes while coming off the bench for the team. Adding him to a roster that includes Roy Hibbert, Paul George, George Hill and Tyler Hansbrough could make the team one of the best in the East.
