Grade The Trade: Bucks add sharpshooting guard in this mock with Pacers
By Dalton Sell
The Indiana Pacers’ POV on this deal with the Milwaukee Bucks
It’s unclear what the Pacers might seek for Hield, who is about to enter the final year of his deal. They likely will not fetch a first rounder for his services alone. Though this deal with the Bucks is not the most star-studded when it comes to those coming to Indiana, it could actually be solid for the Pacers in the long run.
In this deal, the Pacers would get two veterans in Allen and Connaughton who could possibly be flipped again for more assets. Allen has proven to be a solid starter over the past two years, and his 3-point shooting is quite valuable. Connaughton has been a key cog on a title team, and there are plenty of teams who could use a glue guy like that as they aim to make a deep run.
At the NBA trade deadline, either of these players could help the Pacers stock up on more assets. However, they could also simply just keep them to add a pair of veterans to a rather young team. Both are quality outside shooters, which would help make up for the loss of Hield immediately and help this team as they aim to take a leap next season.
Livingston, the final pick of the 2023 NBA Draft, would also be a compelling addition. The Bucks signed Livingston to the richest rookie deal for a final pick in league history this summer, so they clearly believe there is something there to unearth. Perhaps Indiana would feel the same, adding a nice young piece to this young core alongside Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin.