NBA Rumors: Indiana Pacers willing to trade Roy Hibbert for right price?
By Bryan Rose
After averaging nearly 13 points and 9 rebounds per game in 2011-12, his fourth season in the league, Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert was quickly emerging as one of the better centers in the NBA.
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But just as quickly as that idea emerged, it vanished as Hibbert’s statistics and play declined. Things only got worse come the current postseason as Hibbert’s play style was exposed by quicker, more athletic big men who did what they could to keep the former Georgetown product away from the rim on the defensive side of the ball.
Offensively? Hibbert looked completely lost and now entering the potential final two-years of his contract, it sounds as if the Indiana Pacers are more than willing to trade the big man, assuming the price is right.
It’s a sentiment that Hibbert himself reportedly shares as both sides wouldn’t be against a change of scenery.
"There is said to be some thought on both sides — management and Hibbert’s — that a fresh start would be beneficial for everyone after the big man’s second-half woes.Hibbert’s camp hasn’t outright asked for a trade, sources say, but word is that it wouldn’t exactly oppose one if the Pacers decide to actively shop their center."
Hibbert will go into the 2014-15 season making nearly $15 million dollars with a player option worth $15.5 million for the 2015-16 season, one he is understandably likely to evoke.
That makes moving the center pretty difficult as no team is going to give up much talent when they’re going to foot the bill on Hibbert’s albatross of a contract.
Regardless, it sounds as if it’s something that may be explored in the coming months.