Crabbe and Davis peaked interest of Indy
Now this trade was more of a one-sided affair, with the Pacers having interest in both Allen Crabbe and Ed Davis.
Because of his matched offer sheet from Brooklyn, Crabbe holds a one-year say over any trade he’s involved in. This would be a huge decision for Crabbe, going to the Pacers would have benefits and disadvantages.
He has expressed the interest in starting before, and with Indiana he could slide into the two or three alongside Paul George.
But, he would also go to a team has been lost after challenging the Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals in 2013; and his arrival wouldn’t have much sway on the star of the team leaving for the West Coast.
Yet, the biggest issue with any trade with the Pacers is what they have to offer.
With their cap space, they could do Thaddeus Young for Crabbe straight up; but I don’t see the need for Young with Al-Farouq Aminu and Moe Harkless both capable of playing better defense and locked up for less money.
And I don’t think an offer of Rodney Stuckey, C.J. Miles, or Lavoy Allen for Davis would be any bit enticing. Their only cheap yet valuable asset is Myles Turner, and he is Plan A if George would’ve been traded.
This expressed interest by Larry Bird maybe (probably) was to show his star he was trying to get him help, saving face as the Pacers face an eighth seed battle.