NBA Rumors: Roy Hibbert did not ask Pacers for trade
By Bryan Rose
This past weekend, ESPN’s Marc Stein suggested that the Indiana Pacers were possibly open to the idea of trading center Roy Hibbert, a sentiment that Hibbert wouldn’t exactly be against.
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There was no mention of a traditional trade demand but rather an openness to a move, if one were to happen.
Regardless, Hibbert’s agent David Falk informed NBA.com’s David Aldridge that Hibbert did not request a trade nor does he have a strained relationship with the organization.
“From the first day Larry Bird committed to draft Roy Hibbert in June 2008 [Hibbert was actually acquired via a Draft-day trade from Toronto], the Pacers and Roy have been a wonderful fit. Challenges this season have not changed that for Roy … Roy does not have an entourage. I am his principle advisor … his ‘camp’ has not expressed any opinions to [ESPN] whatsoever concerning a trade.”
Hibbert won’t be easy to trade given his recent poor play and albatross of a contract, however, this is the same player who was was thought to be a difference maker in playoff series’ just a season ago. Given the fact his trade market is to be limited and the Pacers aren’t exactly brimming with replacements, can Indiana really afford to move Hibbert without getting an equally talented big man in return?
On the flip side, the Pacers have to be alarmed at how ineffective Hibbert became and how easily opposing coaches (and players) took him out of the game.
Clearly, finding an answer regarding Hibbert’s future in Indiana isn’t going to be easy, but that’s why general managers get paid so handsomely (and fired so quickly).