Granted, these are nothing but rumors at this point in time, but the teams are discussing that is a fact. I'm going to try to break down the reasons that both teams would be doing this deal, and hopefully you agree with me.
Why for the Oklahoma City Thunder?
First, the Thunder already have their point guard in Russell Westbrook, and they really don't have a major need to keep Eric Maynor around any longer. It's not because Maynor isn't a good player that he's being dealt, it's because he's just been behind two All-Star caliber point guards.
The 18th and 21st picks in the draft are good, solid picks, but the Thunder aren't going to get the impact big man that they want with those selections. More than likely at #10, they are going to take one of Ed Davis, Ekpe Udoh, or Daniel Orton, depending on who is there. I'm sure that their most wanted player of those guys is Udoh, then followed up by Davis, and last but not least Orton.
Overall the Thunder know what kind of player they want, and they obviously don't believe they are going to be able to get their man at one of the later selections, so they move up to #10 where they are almost certain to get one of their most coveted big men.
Why for the Indiana Pacers?
The Pacers need a point guard very badly, and while Maynor may not be the starting point guard of the future, he is much better than any option they have right now. At #10, the Pacers could have selected a power forward, but by gaining two first round picks instead of one, they will be able to pick up guys like Eric Bledsoe (#18), and Hassan Whiteside (#21). There is a slim chance that one of their favorite big men, Patrick Patterson, will fall to them at the #18 pick, and if that happens you will see him in a Pacers uniform next season, and then Bledsoe would likely go at #21 if he's still available.
Basically what the Pacers do in this deal, is acquire assets to help fill the holes in their roster. They probably will end up making another trade or two throughout the off season, but by adding Maynor, and possibly Bledsoe, they won't have to trade for the point guard spot. Also, a major part of this deal is that Indiana doesn't have to part with anything other than the pick. Brandon Rush has been a major tie up for Larry Bird over the past discussions with teams, and from the sounds of it, he won't be included in this.
Overall the Pacers improve their team without shaking up their current roster at all. They just trade one pick, and gain a solid, young point guard, and two more picks. Almost a perfect deal for Indiana.
Thoughts?
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